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Police are searching for thieves who stole pride flags from two businesses in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, during Pride Month.
The first thefts occurred at Evolution Candy on East State Street. Police said a pride flag was stolen during the overnight hours on June 3 while another flag was stolen from the same business on June 4.
About a week later around 1:30 a.m. on June 11, a thief stole a pride flag from Volo Boutique on East Oakland Avenue.
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Police released surveillance videos of the thefts. The suspect in the June 11 incident is described as a man with curly, shoulder-length hair wearing a hat, glasses, shorts and a light-colored shirt.
“I’m just trying to stay positive,” Christy Cavanaugh, the owner of Volo, told NBC10. “I know there’s some not great people out there but most people are.”
Cavanaugh, who also owns a hair salon, told NBC10 both of her businesses are all about inclusiveness and she has a new LGBTQ flag hanging outside them. She also has another one just in case. She told NBC10 the flags have a special meaning for her and her family.
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“I have members of my family who are gay,” she said. “My daughter being one. Her and her wife live in Philly. It hurts me because of the things they must have to feel.”
Cavanaugh’s neighbor, Joni Nelson, said she is also outraged by the thefts.
“What has happened to this town? This is a wonderful town. Used to be,” Nelson said.
James Lamb, the co-owner of Evolution Candy, told NBC10 he is also concerned about the recent thefts.
“Why does this keep happening? That is what my concern is,” Lamb said. “Who are these people out there that can’t just let things be?”
If you have any information on the thefts, call Officer Tropiano or Officer Danielle Politsky at 215-345-4143. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-thieves-steal-pride-flags-from-bucks-county-businesses/3589303/ | 2023-06-21T04:23:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/video-thieves-steal-pride-flags-from-bucks-county-businesses/3589303/ |
The Atlantic County Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs Wednesdays through Sept. 6.
“The goal of our ‘Waive-Fee Wednesdays’ is to promote dog adoptions,” county Executive Dennis Levinson said in a news release. “We had great success with our Memorial Day weekend promotion finding homes for eight dogs and nine cats. We hope to build upon that success with these weekly canine promotions.”
Adopted dogs will receive mandatory sterilization, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, a microchip and a free veterinary consultation, in addition to two free obedience classes. Normally, adoption fees for a dog are $110.
The shelter is open by appointment from 1 to 4 p.m. daily and is located at 240 Old Turnpike Road, Pleasantville. Call 609-485-2345 to make an appointment or for more information. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-county-animal-shelter-offering-waive-fee-wednesdays/article_c325b208-0ed6-11ee-8bad-6ffaacb79029.html | 2023-06-21T04:29:45 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-county-animal-shelter-offering-waive-fee-wednesdays/article_c325b208-0ed6-11ee-8bad-6ffaacb79029.html |
Events
Wednesday, June 21
34TH ANNUAL CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: BACH’S LUNCH AT THE WASHINGTON INN: 12:30 to 2 p.m.; 34th Annual Cape May Music Festival presents classical music and lunch; Washington Inn & Wine Bar, 801 Washington St., Cape May; $50. 609-884-5404.
'A DIAMOND IN THE DUNES – THE NORTHERN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN': 6 to 7 p.m.; presentation by the Wetlands Institute; Cape May County Library/Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township; free. 609-463-6350.
ADULT BOARD GAME NIGHT: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 21, July 5, 19, Aug. 2, 16; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
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AVALON DUNE AND BEACH WALK: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 30; Beach Entrance, 48th Street, Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
'BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND ANIMALS': 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through June 28; for ages 18 and older; join Cherie Scheurich, from Absecon Veterinary Hospital, for a 4-week course where you will learn all about the human-animal bond; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SEASHORE GARDENS FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT: noon to 8 p.m.; Seashore Gardens Foundation will hold its 7th annual golf tournament to benefit the nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching elder lives; Harbor Pines Golf Club, 500 Saint Andrews Drive, Egg Harbor Township; $250. 609-404-4848.
Thursday, June 22
ADULT CRAFT: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. June 22, July 20, Aug. 10; Brigantine Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 201 15th St. S., Brigantine. 609-266-0110 or atlanticlibrary.org.
COFFEE WITH A COP: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas; Tanger Outlets Atlantic City, 2014 Baltic Ave., Atlantic City. 609-214-8424.
MONTHLY HAMILTON SUSTAINABILITEAM MEETING: 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Thursdays, no meeting in November; discuss how to make the Township of Hamilton more sustainable now and in the future; Municipal Building, 6101 13th St., Mays Landing. 609-805-1236 or townshipofhamilton.com.
NJ AUTHOR SERIES: JENNIFER ANNE MOSES: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; Millville Public Library will host Jennifer Anne Moses as she discusses her book "The Man Who Loved His Wife"; Millville Public Library, 210 Buck St., Millville. 856-825-7087 or millvillepubliclibrary.org.
REPTILES OF CAPE MAY COUNTY: 6 to 7 p.m.; presented by NJ Audubon; Cape May County Library/Cape May Court House Branch, 30 Mechanic St., Middle Township; free, registration requested. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
SENIOR CRAFT AND ACTIVITIES: 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays through June 29; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.
For kids
Wednesday, June 21
PAJAMA PARTY IN THE PARK: 7 to 8 p.m.; sunset stories and crafting; Ocean County Library/Long Beach Island Branch, 217 S. Central Ave., Surf City. 609-494-2480 or theoceancountylibrary.org.
PLAYDATE AT THE LIBRARY: 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 9; for ages 6-36 months; enjoy stories, rhymes and songs designed to develop early literacy skills; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
TEEN BOOK CLUB: HOW IT ALL BLEW UP: 3:15 to 4 p.m.; discuss the book "How It All Blew Up" at the June program; Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City; registration required. 609-345-2269 or acfpl.org.
Thursday, June 22
123 READ & SING: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays through Aug. 10; for ages 1 1/2 to 5 and their caregivers; Galloway Township Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township. 609-652-2352 or atlanticlibrary.org.
TORI'S CRITTERS: 4 to 5 p.m.; live animals for participants to look at (and sometimes pet and hold) as well; 210 Buck St., Millville. 856-825-7087 or millvillepubliclibrary.org.
Groups
Wednesday, June 21
'TOO MUCH STUFF?' MEETINGS: 1 to 2 p.m. first and third Wednesdays; hosted by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; online or call-in support for those with clutter challenges, collecting behaviors, or hoarding tendency. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BOOK CHAT: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 21, July 19, Aug. 16; for adults; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Health, fitness
Wednesday, June 21
BARRE STAR: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Wednesdays through May; combination of ballet, flexibility, yoga/balance and strength training; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
BUTTS & GUTS - MICHELLE BARBARO: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 30; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350.
EXPLORING SPIRITUALITY ONLINE WELLNESS GROUP: noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays; hosted by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; wellness group exploring themes of faith, hope, sense of purpose, and fulfilment. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
MIND AND BODY VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: 11 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; workshop is provided to individuals who live with a disability; participants discuss topics such as adapting, goal setting, refocusing and more; offered by the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. 609-652-3800, ext. 308 or MHAAC.info.
TAI CHI & QIGONG: 10 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; with Cheryl Crews and Denise Jones; Lower Cape Branch, 2600 Bayshore Road, Lower Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ZUMBA - WITH JANET SPADA: 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Wildwood Crest Library, and Thursdays at Lower Township Library; no meetings July 12, 26, Nov. 22, 23. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ZUMBA - WITH KELLIE: 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays; Sea Isle City Branch, 4800 Central Ave., Sea Isle City. 609-463-6350 or Events.CMCLibrary.org.
Music
Wednesday, June 21
BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS: 7:30 to 10 p.m.; rock and roll of the 1960s; Levoy Theatre, 126-130 N. High St., Millville; $44. 856-327-6400 or levoy.net.
STILETTO & THE SAXMAN: 7:30 to 10 p.m.; The Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main St., Tuckerton; $28. 908-310-2941 or lizzierosemusic.com.
Thursday, June 22
34TH ANNUAL CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL: FINAL EVENT BAY ATLANTIC SYMPHONY: 7 to 9 p.m.; Jed Gaylin, conductor, will lead the Bay Atlantic Symphony in the final performance of the 34th annual Cape May Music Festival; Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave., Cape May; $25 to $35. 609-884-5404 or capemaymac.org.
TONY MARTS PRESENTS 'ROCKIN' THE POINT' WITH THE BILLY WALTON BAND: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays through summer; The Point, 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point. 609-626-4693. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_e90afede-0ed5-11ee-8147-eb8ce7be7e87.html | 2023-06-21T04:29:51 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_e90afede-0ed5-11ee-8147-eb8ce7be7e87.html |
MILLVILLE — Millville High School's Class of 2023 was recently treated to graduation gifts and a picnic courtesy of Allen Associates.
The agency donated $5,000 to this year's graduating class. The gift was used for a Senior Picnic Celebration on June 13, which included food trucks, games and MHS-branded gifts for the future alumni.
Corey Allen and Susan Dortu of Allen Associates recently presented the check to Principal Jaime Sutton and Parent Teacher Student Association officers Bethany Kavanagh and Lynn Riley. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/allen-associates-makes-5k-donation-to-millville-high-schools-graduating-class/article_3e72691a-0f81-11ee-a1a4-5fb90a9630df.html | 2023-06-21T04:29:57 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/allen-associates-makes-5k-donation-to-millville-high-schools-graduating-class/article_3e72691a-0f81-11ee-a1a4-5fb90a9630df.html |
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Tennessee’s oldest town is the backdrop for a new movie.
A crew is in the Tri-Cities filming “Love in Storytown,” a romantic comedy about a single mom who leaves the military and moves to a town known for its storytelling.
Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Festival.
On Tuesday, the crew was filming at East Tennessee Insurance in Johnson City.
“Today we are filming because it’s the storytelling capital of the world, it takes place at the Storytelling Festival, we call it story week in the film, and that’s like a really big part of the film,” said director and producer Candy Cain.
Cain is hoping for a release date next June and plans to host a premier in Jonesborough. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/new-romantic-comedy-movie-set-in-jonesborough/ | 2023-06-21T04:29:59 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/new-romantic-comedy-movie-set-in-jonesborough/ |
BELTON, Texas — Following a recent drowning near Temple Lake Park at Belton Lake, first responders are wanting to stress safety, especially as more people are turning to the water to stay cool.
As beautiful as the water is, it can be dangerous. With no lifeguards on duty for the majority of the lake, you're swimming at your own risk and with your own judgment.
Killeen Fire Battalion Chief Trent Parker said most water-related incidents happen because swimmers and boaters aren't cautious and don't follow guidelines or even rules of the water.
"Lake Belton is just like most of our lakes in Texas, it's got its got its hazards, especially when we mix alcohol with with boating or we don't wear our life jacket," he added. "Eighty-five percent of boating related fatalities are due to someone not wearing their life jacket and Belton Lake has had experiences like that, unfortunately."
When it's boat day for Carlos Rivera and his family, caution comes first.
"I take the water very seriously," he told 6 News. "When the conditions are nice and calm out here, I'll bring the boat out. If it's a little windy, if it's a little choppy, I might delay that boat trip for the next day or so."
He wants to ensure his family continues getting lakes days and having fun on the water. While getting ready to take the boat out, he told one of his kids to put on his life jacket as it's the law.
"You know, definitely have enough safety equipment for everybody on board and definitely keep the speeds down," Rivera said.
Parker told 6 News that kids under the age of 13 should always wear a life jacket, and there should be a life jacket easily accessible for every single person on the boat. He said a Type IV life jacket can also be a life saver.
"The majority of your recreation boats and fishing boats are going to be required to have one of these and it's a throwable cushion and it is really handy to get to somebody in the event that they're in distress in the water," Parker explained.
Parker said it's not safe for an unequipped swimmer to try and rescue another swimmer. It could cause jeopardy to the person and put them in danger, like the 31-year-old man who drowned near Temple Park Lake after he tried to save a child who jumped into the water from a boat. The child resurfaced, but he never did.
If you do decide to try and rescue someone, ensure you have a life jacket and give them one too, Parker said.
"We really want to leave it up to the professionals when we can you," he said. "But, if you get them a life jacket, it's going to buy them plenty of time for somebody else to get in there to help them that may be able to get them in the boat a little easier than you would."
Most the time you're swimming at your own risk and with your own judgment, so knowing your environment and the conditions is vital.
"We've got trees that are now exposed and so diving in water, especially when you can't see, is a really, really bad idea," Parker added. "We don't recommend it with what the lake levels are at."
According to the CDC, every year in the United States there are an estimated 4,000 people die from accidental drowning, that is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/first-responders-stress-safety-recent-drownings-lakes-get-busy/500-d5cb44eb-f29c-4989-a4c8-910280d946a8 | 2023-06-21T04:32:44 | 0 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/first-responders-stress-safety-recent-drownings-lakes-get-busy/500-d5cb44eb-f29c-4989-a4c8-910280d946a8 |
The Fort Wayne City Council plans to limit its appointees to boards and commissions to two consecutive terms, and some members are considering doing the same for the mayor’s appointments.
Council members gave preliminary approval with a 6-2 vote Tuesday to an ordinance that would affect their appointments to government bodies, such as the plan commission, the safe housing and oversight committee and the animal control commission. Councilmen Paul Ensley, R-1st, and Tom Freistroffer, R-at large, voted against the measure, and Councilman Russ Jehl, R-2nd, was absent.
Term limits would also apply to council members who serve on boards and commissions, said Councilwoman Michelle Chambers, D-at large, the bill’s sponsor. Residents and council members can be reappointed to the boards and commissions after not serving for one term or if the City Council cannot find a replacement within 60 days.
Councilman Jason Arp, R-4th, committed to bringing an ordinance for Mayor Tom Henry’s and future mayoral appointees after he and other council members voiced concerns about fairness. City Council attorney Joe Bonahoom said he believes the members can legislate the mayoral appointments.
Councilman Glynn Hines, D-at large, said he’d co-sponsor Arp’s bill, which Arp said he will present “as soon as possible.”
Chambers said she introduced the bill to create transparency and to get more diverse representation on boards and commissions and to add more accountability. Many appointments are for three or four years, which makes two terms a long time to serve, she added.
Boards should be able to exist without the talents of certain members, Chambers said. However, the ordinance she presented excludes the Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals and the internal audit committee from term limits because of the specialized nature of their work. The ordinance affects about 23 positions, she said.
Chambers and Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd, both mentioned that some people have served for more than 30 years. They declined to name any publicly.
Didier said he had concerns about the ordinance only affecting council appointments. He said it would create a double standard, and the only reason he voted for it was because of Arp’s commitment to pursue a similar ordinance for mayoral appointments.
Didier, who faces Henry in the mayoral election, also said he’s concerned about the limits affecting appointees with one-year terms more than people serving in four-year positions.
It could also be hard to fill some of the positions, Didier said. Many people don’t know about the boards and commissions or don’t have the time to serve on them, he said.
Ensley said he thought the ordinance would restrict the council from choosing whomever it wants to appoint to boards.
“I don’t think the term limits are necessary,” Ensley said. “I think the vote by the majority of the council is enough.”
Freistroffer said term limits would hamper experience and learning. The plan commission, which he serves on, is a governing board, and he’s still learning about how it works after seven years, he said. Freistroffer is nearing the end of his second four-year term.
City Council has publicly examined for about a year how members are appointed to board and commissions.
Jehl said in February that council members would take a look at all 39 city government-specific commissions and boards and 22 more that are set by state code.
Of the state-defined boards, the mayor’s office gets 68 appointments and the council has 14, he said. The council also has no appointments on 15 of the boards and commissions defined in state code.
Chambers said she wanted to bring forward her proposed changes to board appointments after Jehl pursued ordinances to add council appointments to some of the governmental bodies.
Council members are expected to make a final decision at the June 27 meeting. Preliminary votes rarely change before final decisions are made. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-seeks-to-limit-its-appointments-to-two-terms/article_fe6d5f60-0fd9-11ee-8e94-87fb1a734f2f.html | 2023-06-21T04:32:52 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-city-council-seeks-to-limit-its-appointments-to-two-terms/article_fe6d5f60-0fd9-11ee-8e94-87fb1a734f2f.html |
A replica of the “Star Wars” droid R2-D2, built by Fort Wayne resident David DeMarchis, delighted attendees young and old during the “Meet the Machines” event Tuesday at Electric Works.
A Fort Wayne Fire Department truck was among the emergency services vehicles on display Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
Marshall Frey, 6, smiles for a photo behind the steering wheel of a 1963 International Harvester DCOF-405 Emeryville Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
Lorraine Frey, 5, climbs down from the cab of a 1963 International Harvester DCOF-405 Emeryville Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
A Fort Wayne Fire Department truck was among the emergency services vehicles on display Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
A replica of the Star Wars droid R2-D2, built by Fort Wayne resident David DeMarchis, delighted attendees young and old during the "Meet the Machines" event Tuesday at Electric Works.
A replica of the “Star Wars” droid R2-D2, built by Fort Wayne resident David DeMarchis, delighted attendees young and old during the “Meet the Machines” event Tuesday at Electric Works.
A Fort Wayne Fire Department truck was among the emergency services vehicles on display Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
Marshall Frey, 6, smiles for a photo behind the steering wheel of a 1963 International Harvester DCOF-405 Emeryville Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
Lorraine Frey, 5, climbs down from the cab of a 1963 International Harvester DCOF-405 Emeryville Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
A Fort Wayne Fire Department truck was among the emergency services vehicles on display Tuesday during the "Meet the Machines" event on Dynamo Alley at Electric Works.
A replica of the Star Wars droid R2-D2, built by Fort Wayne resident David DeMarchis, delighted attendees young and old during the "Meet the Machines" event Tuesday at Electric Works. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/meet-the-machines/article_e595a038-0fa7-11ee-ac38-53e679f0ee2d.html | 2023-06-21T04:32:58 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/meet-the-machines/article_e595a038-0fa7-11ee-ac38-53e679f0ee2d.html |
PASADENA, Texas — A Pasadena mother of six has been missing for a week.
Jennifer Gonzales, 30, was last seen on June 13 by her 14-year-old son who said she headed to Walmart at about 11 p.m. but never returned. Her family later learned that Walmart had been closed at that time.
Aura Gonzales, Jennifer’s mother, said she's tried calling her daughter but she's been met with silence, which is out of character for Jennifer.
On June 16, three days after Jennifer went missing, her SUV was found abandoned in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street in Houston.
Pasadena police said there were no obvious signs of foul play.
Aura told us there was a man’s shirt inside the SUV and a pack of cigarettes, which is unusual because Jennifer doesn’t smoke.
Jennifer’s six children are between 1 to 14-years-old. Aura said they keep asking for their mother.
“I simply tell them 'I can’t give you an answer right now but we’re doing everything possible so your mom can return home to you,'” she said.
Aura said she is very worried because she thinks Jennifer would never abandon her children.
“We love you. We’re waiting for you at home to return soon,” Aura said to her daughter.
Pasadena police are asking anyone with information about Jennifer's whereabouts to call 713-477-1221. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/missing-pasadena-mother/285-249633f1-5b19-42a0-9f04-d65b4d032ab8 | 2023-06-21T04:34:18 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/missing-pasadena-mother/285-249633f1-5b19-42a0-9f04-d65b4d032ab8 |
WISE COUNTY, Texas — A North Texas man charged with murdering his wife and daughter initially told authorities his 10-year-old son killed them, court documents show.
Evidence does not support Robert Morairity's claim, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said.
Morairity is jailed on an $800,000 bond. Authorities charged the 45-year-old with murder, capital murder and tampering with evidence in the form of a human corpse.
Last week, the man led investigators to the bodies of his wife, 42-year-old Kimberly Kellam, and his 11-year-old daughter at a home near Decatur.
According to the affidavit for Morairity's arrest, Kellam's brother called the department June 12 and said he hadn't heard from her or his niece since November 2022.
Other family members were too afraid of Morairity to report the pair missing, Akin said.
"I wish they would've called us earlier, but they neglected to do that," Akin said. "They were all scared to death of this guy."
The affidavit stated Morairity would make an excuse for the pair's absence to family members who asked where they were.
After the brother-in-law asked the sheriff's office to do a welfare check, authorities went to a home on County Road 4371 near Decatur where relatives believed Morairity and his family lived. The sheriff's office said deputies arrived but determined the home had been abandoned.
Authorities on June 13 located Morairity in Dallas, according to the sheriff's office. He was found with his other children, a 3-year-old and 10-year-old, authorities said.
Morairity led investigators to the home's garage where the bodies were, Akin said.
"They had been there for quite some time," Akin said, adding that the other children knew what happened.
The 3-year-old and 10-year-old lived in the home with their sister and mother's bodies for months, Akin confirmed.
Morairity initially told investigators his son stabbed Kellam to death in November 2022. Morairity said he placed the woman's body in a large plastic container in the garage, according to the arresting document.
He then told authorities his son killed the 11-year-old girl by smothering her with plastic in January or February 2023. Morairity put her body under a tarp in the garage, the affidavit stated.
Presented with evidence that conflicted with his story, Morairity confessed to involvement in the crime, the sheriff said.
Akin said the sheriff's office was still investigating how Kellam and her daughter died and the motive for their deaths. Authorities do believe the woman and girl died months apart.
In the affidavit, authorities said they believe Morairity committed the offenses of murder, capital murder of a person under 10 years old and tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse.
The two children found with Morairity remain in custody of Child Protective Services. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas-man-led-authorities-to-bodies-of-wife-daughter-claims-son-killed-them-affidavit/287-45907081-a393-4eda-b543-f519314e65d8 | 2023-06-21T04:34:24 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas-man-led-authorities-to-bodies-of-wife-daughter-claims-son-killed-them-affidavit/287-45907081-a393-4eda-b543-f519314e65d8 |
MITCHELL — City leaders’ hopes to dredge Lake Mitchell were dashed Tuesday night by the Mitchell City Council.
In a historic vote that came after more than an hour of discussion between the council and public input, the council voted 4-4 on a $25 million state loan application that would have funded a multimillion-dollar dredging project. The council’s 4-4 tie vote denied the city from submitting an application for a $25 million 30-year loan.
Heading into Tuesday’s meeting, Council President Kevin McCardle was the lone council member who had yet to declare his stance on dredging. After analyzing the financial impact of the estimated $53 million project, McCardle said his gut feeling was the city “can’t afford it.”
“I’ve talked to 60 to 80 people over the last 10 days who were in favor and not in favor of the project. I agree the lake is an asset, but I can't see myself putting us in that financial difficulty for the next 30 years. My gut feeling is that we can’t afford to pay close to $2 million a year for the next 30 years,” McCardle said prior to voting against the loan application.
Joining McCardle in voting against the loan application were council members Dan Allen, Dan Sabers and John Doescher.
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Council members Jeff Smith, Marty Barington, Susan Tjarks and Steve Rice all voted in favor of the application.
While the mayor can break tie votes on agenda items that don’t involve expending city money, the loan application entailed spending city money. That halted Mayor Bob Everson, who has been a strong advocate for dredging, from breaking the council’s tie vote.
After McCardle revealed his stance against the loan application, an emotional Tjarks, who has been a vocal supporter of the dredging project, pleaded with McCardle to change his stance on the project. She dubbed a no vote on the loan application as a “terrible insult” to the community, pointing to the Forward 2040 survey – which saw a little over 2,000 participants – that revealed respondents saw cleaning the lake as the biggest challenge the city needs to address.
“If you could just see your way to vote to give us the opportunity. It’s not locking us into place. All your vote will do is allow us to take the next step,” she said to McCardle. “I feel like our community has spoken loud and clear and told us over and over exactly what they want us to do. I don’t know what our job is here if it’s not to find a way to put their priorities in place.”
During the council’s discussion prior to coming to a decision, Barington pointed to the “strong momentum” the city has built over the past several years toward dredging as an in-lake solution and said halting the loan application would kill years of momentum and the future of the lake.
“If we say no tonight, everything 100% – in my mind – on Lake Mitchell is over. The topic is dead, and the lake is dead,” Barington said.
Smith painted a picture around the vote on the loan application as small step that would allow the city to entertain bids for the dredging project and see what rough costs are looking like, along with giving Friends of Firesteel – a local nonprofit that’s been raising funds for dredging – a clear direction on whether to continue its fundraising campaign.
“We’ll never know how much it will cost. We’ll never know how much we can raise, and we’ll never know how much we will lose in grants,” Smith said.
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On the financial side of the project, Rice used the roughly $3 million the city spends each year on maintaining its parks as an example to compare what the long-term funding would look like over the next three decades.
Although he agreed the project would be a big undertaking for the city, Rice said it’s financially possible. He dubbed Lake Mitchell as the city’s biggest park that deserves maintenance.
“$3 million a year over 30 years is we’re going to spend $127 million in those 30 years just to maintain the current parks we have. If I can spend $127 million over 30 years on the parks, and I can’t spend over $25 or $30 million for the lake – which is the biggest park we have – to me we’re not thinking right,” Rice said.
In response to Rice’s comments on the financial impact of the project, McCardle highlighted the cost estimate City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein presented on June 12 was roughly $53 million not $25 to $30 million.
McCardle pointed to the magnitude of the $53 million price tag the project is estimated to cost as a reason it should be put to a public vote.
“I think if we want it done, it should be put on a ballot and let the whole town decide it, not just a couple people,” he said.
Smith explained that voting in favor of the application would allow residents opposed to the project an opportunity to submit a petition and refer it to a public vote.
The mechanical dredging project that was proposed to be funded primarily by the state loan was a product of a two-year study on the lake’s sediment and algae patterns. While the council invested over $1 million into preliminary dredging design work, the engineer firm’s multimillion-dollar dredging project was ultimately rejected in the end with Tuesday’s decision to kill the application.
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Following the decision, Mayor Bob Everson said he will have to take a step back and rethink his approach on reducing the algae issues that have plagued the lake for decades.
“It disappoints me greatly, but we have to move on and rethink how we will go about this,” Everson said.
Community members, dredging supporters sound off
As the leader of a nonprofit organization that formed several years ago with the mission to raise funds for a future lake dredging project, Joe Kippes urged the council to make a decision that would have a positive impact on the lake and community for years to come.
Kippes sought to poke holes in arguments against dredging before the city makes more progress on reducing the phosphorus funneling into the lake via Firesteel watershed and said all the designs and recommendations have agreed that both dredging the lake and improving the watershed are needed collectively.
“If we choose to wait, the lake will continue to degrade. I’m hoping our council decides it’s a good time to get busy with this and fix our lake,” Kippes said.
Mike Vehle, a longtime lake resident and leader of Friends of Firesteel, characterized the council’s vote as “tough and transformative.”
“This is a tough vote. As a former legislator for 12 years, I understand what you’re going through. A former legislator told me do the right thing, you’ll sleep a lot better. When we talk about tough votes, sometimes it's about money. Sometimes it’s about policy. Then there are those that can be transformative, and that’s what your vote today is about. It’s transformative for our city – restoring our lake,” Vehle said.
Vehle emphasized the price tag of dredging anytime down the road will only increase as inflation has seemingly by the day. He said the 3.25% interest rate that was attached to the $25 million loan won’t be that low ever again.
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From the perspective of a local business leader and large employer, Justin Luther said he frequently hears applicants speak about the importance of quality of life. And he believes Lake Mitchell is one of the city’s “most prized assets” that can provide the type of quality of life that will attract employees if the city takes action on cleaning the algae-laden body of water.
“What we have here is an asset. At the end of the day, if we don’t reinvest in our assets, we won’t be relevant five years from now. ... People aren’t just going to come, you have to give them a reason to come,” Luther said, noting the lake is one amenity that could bring more prospective residents to Mitchell. “As I sit and watch the towns around us grow and add things in their communities, I think we’re behind. It scares me as a business owner. It scares me as a father. It scares me as a resident of Mitchell.”
Luther closed by saying if the project does not go forward, he believes it will never happen in his lifetime. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/lake-mitchell-dredging-dead-in-the-water-as-council-splits-vote-on-25m-loan-application | 2023-06-21T04:36:09 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/lake-mitchell-dredging-dead-in-the-water-as-council-splits-vote-on-25m-loan-application |
COLOME, S.D. — In a close election, voters in the Colome Consolidated School District maintained the district's current geographic boundaries in a special election on Tuesday.
Of the 312 votes cast in the election, 52.2% (163 total) were cast against the reorganization plan, while 47.8% (149 total) were cast for the plan.
The vote split was clear among the geographic sections in the district. Nearly 60% of the votes in the election came from the Colome area, which voted 155 against the plan and 30 votes in support. In Wood, the area from which the petition to reorganize originated from, 91 of 93 votes cast were in support of the new plan. In Witten, 28 votes were for the plan and six were against.
The reorganization plan needed a simple majority to go into effect. Among the pool of 312 votes cast, a flip of nine votes from against to for would have resulted in its passage.
The proposed plan was approved by the South Dakota Department of Education and would have split off the Wood and Witten areas of the school district between Mellette and Tripp counties, and to the White River and Winner school districts, respectively. White River is about 17 miles from Wood, while Colome is about 50 miles from Wood.
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In addition to losing about half of its geographic size, if approved, the Colome Consolidated district would have lost about 33% of its assessed taxable value in the district.
Colome Consolidated had maintained schools in Witten and Wood in the years after the three communities consolidated in 2010 but decreasing student numbers and difficulties hiring teachers forced both school attendance centers to close. | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/plan-to-reorganize-colome-school-district-narrowly-fails-in-special-election | 2023-06-21T04:36:19 | 1 | https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/plan-to-reorganize-colome-school-district-narrowly-fails-in-special-election |
Sen. Sherrod Brown proposed legislation Tuesday along with two other U.S. senators that would give Central State University, part of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities, a shot at getting additional funding and fostering scientific development in Black communities.
With this bill, Brown is pushing for Central State University to receive a Center of Excellence to continue and expand on the university’s research, according to the senator’s office. The bill would increase the allotted number of Centers of Excellence at 1890 Land Grant institutions from six to 10.
Central State is already an 1890 Land Grant Institution but does not have a Center of Excellence.
Centers of Excellence at 1890 Land Grant institutions are focused on increasing profits for underserved farming communities, addressing critical needs for training and development and increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics, often called STEAM. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awards the Centers of Excellence.
“Centers of Excellence at 1890 Land-Grant Institutions have fostered generations of African American students, farmers and scientists in our communities for years,” Brown said. “By expanding the number of Centers of Excellence, we will ensure institutions like Central State University can continue training the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
Central State already has an expansive farming center and funding from the USDA, but the additional funding could pay for more research and work for underserved communities.
The four new Centers of Excellence would focus on climate change, forestry reliance and conservation; food safety and bioprocessing; and value-added agriculture; and transdisciplinary social science, according to Brown’s office.
“Senator Brown’s leadership on the Farm Bill across the board, and especially on both the Centers of Excellence and 1890 Scholarship program, have been critical to our success,” said Morakinyo Kuti, interim dean of the John W. Garland College of Science, Engineering, Technology, and Agriculture at Central State University and director of 1890 Land Grant Programs.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/central-state-could-get-increase-in-agriculture-tech-funding/HR2GBAICDBFFBJCQGYN7YIYMEY/ | 2023-06-21T04:38:28 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/central-state-could-get-increase-in-agriculture-tech-funding/HR2GBAICDBFFBJCQGYN7YIYMEY/ |
SCRANTON, Pa. — That money will go toward the installation of a ramp, and other accessibility renovations at the Kay Holmes Branch in the Green Ridge section of the city.
The library is just one organization that will be receiving donations.
The Tegna Foundation is giving out several this month to nonprofits in our area.
Tegna is the parent company of WNEP.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/scranton-public-library-receives-grant-green-ridge-kay-holmes-branch-tegna-broadcasting-wnep/523-008ecb37-65f1-47a5-ba4a-61fb84ff928c | 2023-06-21T04:49:17 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/scranton-public-library-receives-grant-green-ridge-kay-holmes-branch-tegna-broadcasting-wnep/523-008ecb37-65f1-47a5-ba4a-61fb84ff928c |
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — "I lived on this block 35 years. I have seen nothing like this in a very, very long time," said Joseph Bonario, neighbor.
Joseph Bonario was one of the many residents watching police swarm the house of Luis Soto-Madera on the 100 block of Sambourne Street in South Wilkes-Barre.
Just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Wilkes-Barre City Police responded to the house after it was reported Madera fired several shots at family members before barricading himself in an upstairs bedroom.
After hours of officers trying to contact Madera, the decision was made to breach the house.
"The special emergency response team with Pennsylvania State Police assisted with the search of the home, no one was located inside the home," said Tony Ross, Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney.
According to county officials, Madera is still on the run, considered to be armed and dangerous.
"I am hoping they can capture the person that needs the help that he needs," said Bonario.
Although no one is in custody after the 9-hour standoff, neighbors like Bonario are just glad police did everything by the book.
"I have nothing against I mean, people say it was a waste of time, but I don't think it was. I think it was all about safety," Bonario said.
If you know the whereabouts of Soto Madera, you are asked to call 911.
See news happening? Text our Newstip Hotline. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/community-reacts-to-manhunt-following-standoff-in-wilkes-barre-luis-soto-madera-joseph-bonario-tony-ross-assistant-district-attorney/523-9761c693-1b4a-4cc9-a7bb-210dc5d29750 | 2023-06-21T04:49:23 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/community-reacts-to-manhunt-following-standoff-in-wilkes-barre-luis-soto-madera-joseph-bonario-tony-ross-assistant-district-attorney/523-9761c693-1b4a-4cc9-a7bb-210dc5d29750 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a community meeting Tuesday night to inform the public that they plan to propose Lot 46 Valley Gardens TCE site in Des Moines to the National Priorities List in September for support of long-term clean-up efforts of the groundwater to prevent exposure to drinking water.
“What was found is a chemical called trichlorethylene… it’s commonly called TCE. And we’re also finding its breakdown products cis-1,2-DCE specifically that’s in the groundwater," said Lauren Murphy, the remedial project manager of the EPA.
In 2004, the Iowa DNR discovered hazardous waste at the Lot 46 Valley Gardens TCE site. And then in 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency took over the site for federal assistance.
For reference, Lot 46 operates as a TCE contaminated groundwater site, but the problem recently has been its proximity to the Des Moines Water Works intake gallery for their drinking water plant.
Officials detected chemicals like TCE in samples from the water works plant along the Raccoon River, but the EPA assures that all drinking water is safe.
However, people living in the metro area remain worried.
"I am super concerned," said Emerson Adams. "I got two little kids, and to hear what is coming out of the faucet could have chemicals that we don’t know anything about," really frustrates him.
And Emerson Adams' brother, Cameron, said that he even though he doesn’t drink tap water, a potential drinking water contamination would still impact him.
“I mean it’s still the stuff we’re bathing in. It’s the stuff we’re brushing our teeth with," he said.
The EPA said they hope to get the site officially listed by March of 2024. And then officials will investigate the groundwater to provide the best treatment options at Lot 46 to prevent contamination to your drinking water.
Murphy also said that there's no risk to using the Raccoon River.
In the meantime, Des Moines Water Works encourages people to call them for any and all questions related to your drinking water. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/chemically-contaminated-groundwater-des-moines-epa/524-343eff45-2c37-40b6-a04a-b23ce2c79447 | 2023-06-21T04:50:13 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/chemically-contaminated-groundwater-des-moines-epa/524-343eff45-2c37-40b6-a04a-b23ce2c79447 |
ATLANTA — Police are investigating a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that they believe was a targeted attack.
Two people are dead and another was hurt in the gunfire that went off in southwest Atlanta. Police said the victims who died are two men between 18 and 21 years old. The third victim is similar in age.
They are currently looking for a suspect but have not released any other details.
According to the Atlanta Police Department, the three people were shot at 765 McDaniel St. SW. The address is located by Heritage Station Senior, a senior housing community off Stephens Street not far from Gideons Elementary School.
A crowd of people gathered in the area trying to figure out why so many police vehicles and crime scene tape lined the area, including Jonathan Brown.
"At first, I didn't know what happened. I was just wondering what was going on. I later put two and two together after coming back and forth seeing what was going on," Brown said.
Brown finally got the news three young men had been shot. Two of them died at the scene and an ambulance rushed a third to Grady Hospital.
"It's devastating. It's tragic. It's terrible," Brown said. "My dearest condolences to their families."
Atlanta Police homicide commander Lt. Germain Dearlove said the shooting happened around 5:30 p.m.
"The shooting appears to be targeted and not a random incident. It's a residential location," Dearlove said.
Detectives found shell casings on the ground and investigators are trying to put together the pieces of what happened.
"We're scouring for surveillance footage and witness statements," Dearlove said.
Police and the community continue to search for answers as another act of violence ends two young lives.
"Conflict resolution is very important to teach our youngsters to understand that there's another way besides violence," Dearlove said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or the Atlanta Police Department at (404) 546-4236. You can remain anonymous.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mcdaniel-st-fatal-shooting-atlanta/85-3a246898-44c7-4fa3-9dc4-9f49aff6e941 | 2023-06-21T04:50:19 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/mcdaniel-st-fatal-shooting-atlanta/85-3a246898-44c7-4fa3-9dc4-9f49aff6e941 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Wednesday marks the first official day of summer and with that comes a packed calendar full of citywide, outdoor entertainment.
Portland Parks and Recreation is bringing back its Summer Free For All program. It kicks off this week and includes an array of concerts, family-friendly movie showings, cultural and recreational activities along with free swims at PP&R's outdoor pools. All of the events are free and will be held at Portland parks.
The Summer Free For All program is funded through the Parks Local Option Levy, which Portland voters approved in November 2020.
Below is a look at some of the events going on this summer.
Free Lunch + Play kickoff event
When: June 29 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: Kʰunamokwst Park, 5200 Northeast Alberta Street
Kids can eat lunch for free while playing sports and games, doing arts and crafts, and listening to a musical performance by the group Triple Rainbow.
East Portland Summer Arts Festival
When: Saturday, July 8-Sunday, July 9 from 4-8:30 p.m.
Where: Ventura Park, 460 Southeast 113th Avenue
The theme of this year's two-day festival is "Celebrating Black Excellence." Activities include drop-in mini music lessons, arts and crafts and multicultural music and dance performances. There will be a screening of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" on July 8. Singer-songwriter and producer PJ Morton will headline the event on July 9. The Grammy-Award winning musician is the keyboardist for Maroon 5.
The Jeffersons: Live!
When: Sunday, July 23 at 3 p.m.
Where: Peninsula Park, 700 Rosa Parks Way
Playwright and TV writer Kwik Jones presents a reenactment of the classic 1970s sitcom, "The Jeffersons."
We Outside
When: July 30 at 3 p.m.
Where: Luuwit View Park, Northeast 127th Avenue and Fremont Street
This is an outdoor wellness event geared towards those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color. The event also features games, exercises and workshops.
Washington Park Summer Festival
When: Friday, Aug. 11-Sunday, August 13
Where: Rose Garden Amphitheater in Washington Park, 410 Southwest Kingston Avenue
The three-day summer festival includes performances by NW Dance Project on Aug. 11, the Portland Cello Project on Aug. 12 and Opera in the Park Portland on Aug. 13.
Free swim at outdoor pools
PP&R's outdoor pools will be open for the summer from Wednesday, June 21 through Sunday, Aug. 27. There will be weekly free swim sessions held at each pool.
Below is the free swim schedule:
Creston Pool
- Where: 4454 Southeast Powell Boulevard
- Free swims: Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m.
Grant Pool
- Where: 2300 Northeast 33rd Avenue
- Free swims: Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.
Ida B. Wells Pool
- Where: 1151 South Vermont Street
- Free swims: Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
Montavilla Pool
- Where: 8219 Northeast Glisan Street
- Free swims: Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m.
Peninsula Pool
- Where: 700 North Rosa Parks Way
- Free swims: Tuesdays from 1-3:30 p.m.
Pier Pool
- Where: North Seneca Street and North Johns Avenue
- Free swims: Thursdays from 1:45-4:30 p.m.
Sellwood Pool
- Where: 7951 Southeast 7th Avenue
- Free swims: Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-summer-free-for-all-events/283-ecf59bb6-61ed-405f-adf2-1eb31215e103 | 2023-06-21T04:55:52 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-summer-free-for-all-events/283-ecf59bb6-61ed-405f-adf2-1eb31215e103 |
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – The Flagler County School Board said no to a program in a 3-to-2 vote on Tuesday that’s aimed at bolstering security and safety in schools.
“We have a problem in this country. It’s a huge problem,” Flagler School Board Chair Cheryl Massaro said.
A majority of the board said it is too early to approve the proposal, especially without the policy ironed out.
After the deadly massacre in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program was established.
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It acts as a “force multiplier” to enhance safety and add another layer of security in Florida schools.
Along with school resource deputies (SRD), volunteers employed with Flagler County Schools would be on the frontlines to stop an active assailant. They would be considered guardians.
School board member Will Furry said this program has been up for discussion for years, and he hoped it would pass Tuesday night.
“I can’t think of a reason why we wouldn’t want to have extra support for our SRDs,” Furry said.
School board member Christy Chong agreed it would add another barrier of protection for students.
“Even as a parent, would I feel safer knowing that there’s a guardian at my children’s school? Absolutely,’ Chong said.
Other school board members like Colleen Conklin had several concerns.
“Adopting a resolution without any of the real details ironed out, without having any policies in place, makes me feel very uncomfortable,” Conklin said.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office would have worked with the district to create and execute a plan.
A candidate for the guardian program must complete a minimum of 144 hours of extensive training provided by the sheriff’s office, undergo a psychological evaluation and take a drug test.
“Even with the best training in the world, accidents can happen, and those consequences could be deadly,” Conklin said.
Flagler resident and veteran Michael Cocchiola thinks the program is dangerous.
“I’ve fired these things, and I’ve dealt with stressful situations, and there’s no situation where more guns added to a stressful situation helps the situation,” Cocchiola said.
Mom’s for Liberty member Claudette O’Dowd was disappointed it wasn’t approved.
“I feel they’d be more safer with the added protection,” O’Dowd said.
Most of the school board believes the district isn’t ready yet.
They would prefer to tighten up safety measures they already have in place for now.
Conklin even mentioned she would rather put metal detectors in the school before arming staff.
The board said they may consider this program again in the future, but for now, it’s off the table.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/flagler-county-school-board-votes-no-on-guardian-program/ | 2023-06-21T04:59:53 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/flagler-county-school-board-votes-no-on-guardian-program/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Police Department arrested Crystal Perkins, 40, on Tuesday for first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband Ricardo Sykes, 49.
Officers responded to a call at a home on Fairfield Drive just before 10 p.m. Monday night when they found Ricardo Sykes suffering from several gunshot wounds.
According to law enforcement, Ricardo Sykes was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died.
One day after the incident, the Sykes Family is speaking out to let other domestic violence victims know that they're not alone.
The family said Ricardo Sykes was a victim for years.
"That was the hard part, watching him go back every time," said Mariska Sykes, the daughter of Ricardo Sykes. "Everybody pleaded with him. 'Please don't go back. Please don't go, please.'"
Mariska Sykes said they tried to help, but after so many court dates, and even a restraining order, they felt like they had nowhere else to turn after trying their best to keep him safe.
"I don't care what time it was," Mariska Sykes said. "I'm picking up their phone because I don't know when it's the last time I'm gonna talk to my dad."
Over in Conway, LaTraci Spotwood is working to be that extra help for victims, serving as the domestic violence volunteer victim service coordinator for the city attorney's office.
"My sole purpose is to be an advocate for them," Spotwood said. "To be a support for them, a listening ear and just help them get whatever they need to be safe in the situation."
Many of the cases come to Spotwood, alongside threat assessments on various cases from local police. Spotwood emphasized that no matter whether in Conway or anywhere else, every domestic violence victim deserves help.
"Anybody can be a victim," Spotwood said. "It does not matter what your gender is. It does not matter what your statute is."
Ricardo Sykes' family now wishes to help other domestic violence victims with hopes of saving those that need help.
"It's not always easy to just get up and leave," Mariska Sykes said. "Some people have their whole life tied to this person. It's just hard knowing the type of heart my daddy had, and going through this situation."
Anyone suffering from domestic violence should know there are several ways to receive help.
Locally, victims can contact the Conway City Attorney's office at (501) 450-6193.
The National Hotline is also 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Those in need can live chat with someone, here, or by texting the word "START" to 88788.
These resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-family-grieves-loss/91-67c627ab-9072-4d8e-9a7d-99637c613fe9 | 2023-06-21T05:07:32 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock-family-grieves-loss/91-67c627ab-9072-4d8e-9a7d-99637c613fe9 |
BOISE, Idaho — Finding affordable housing in the Treasure Valley can be difficult, and sometimes, people with stable jobs find it hard to make ends meet.
"It kind of makes me feel disappointed in myself, because I wear that on myself that I am relying on people I know to kind of help me manage while I'm trying to save to buy a house because rent is so outrageous," Boisean Kelsey Miller said.
A new report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlights the gap between rent and wages. State data shows Idaho's average 2022 wage is $24.69 per hour.
The "Out of Reach" 2023 report shows that is not nearly enough. It states people in Ada County need to earn $25.19 per hour to afford a fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
That apartment likely averages out to $1,310, according to the report. Angelica Moran, Idaho Asset Building Network policy specialist, said that amount is not always attainable for people, leading them to pay more than 30% of their monthly income on rent.
"When families are forced to pay more than that, they are left with little for savings for emergency expenses like a car repair," she said. "They're left with little furniture, nutritious food, medical visits, childcare and the list goes on."
Since the report is based on fair market rent, people oftentimes are paying more than $1,300 for a two-bedroom apartment, said Evan Stewart, Jesse Tree program director.
In reality, he said the number is closer to $1,800.
"A person would have to make ... above $30 an hour to be able to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the Treasure Valley," Steward said. "We're in kind of a tough situation."
As a long-time Idahoan, James Herold, said high rents make him feel disrespected and disenfranchised. He has been a renter for more than a year and works full time.
Herold also expressed disappointment with the federal minimum wage, which is set at $7.25 per hour.
"There's a huge gap," he said. "I think wages are way lower than what they should be. The value of the dollar is not what it was."
Moran believes the state government should invest more into affordable housing. She said Idaho fully relies on federal funding for programs that help renters.
However, federal COVID-19 assistance for renters is running out and many housing nonprofits have extremely long waitlists. Stewart encouraged anyone needing assistance to call Jesse Tree.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-national-report-highlights-gap-between-rent-prices-and-wages/277-53e86733-0803-4c83-8f35-02be38c268b2 | 2023-06-21T05:42:40 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/local-national-report-highlights-gap-between-rent-prices-and-wages/277-53e86733-0803-4c83-8f35-02be38c268b2 |
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — Two people are dead and a child is in the hospital after a crash south of Elk Grove Tuesday night.
According to the California High Patrol, the crash was described as a head-on collision along Dillard Road and left two people dead and a child in the hospital. The victims were only described as a male and a female.
Details surrounding the crash and what led up to it haven't been released. Police said the crash was between two Nissans, one an Altima and the other a Rogue.
Police said the child was in the Nissan Altima and was in critical but stable condition.
Dillard Road has been closed as the investigation continues.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/2-dead-dillard-road/103-93af7e6d-ba4a-4889-a5d1-b9017ea053b0 | 2023-06-21T06:08:46 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/2-dead-dillard-road/103-93af7e6d-ba4a-4889-a5d1-b9017ea053b0 |
HANCOCK COUNTY, Ind. — A Hancock County Teenager remains hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury after a driver hit him over the weekend and drove off.
Tuesday night, the Pendleton community gathered together to pray for Jasper Young's speedy recovery and for the police to find the driver who hit him.
"I just really hope he gets better," said Emmanuel Niwamanya, a longtime friend of Jasper Young.
Outside the doors of Pendleton Heights Middle School, a community of friends, teachers and loved ones gather to pray for Jasper Young.
"He's a really good kid. I don't know, he's just really, he's kind," Niwamanya said.
According to the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, Jasper was biking Saturday night near Wilkinson, when a car hit him and kept going. The 13-year-old is now at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital with a traumatic brain injury. The Hancock County Sheriff's Department telling 13News doctors are keeping him sedated to allow brain swelling to go down before they can evaluate him.
"It's hard, you know. It kinda sucks - especially because it was a hit and run, that's hard," said Connor Hessler, a friend of Jasper Young.
"I'm sad. I mean, my best friend, he's in the hospital. We don't know if he's going to make it, we don't know if he's going to be okay. It's just sad," Niwamanya said.
"It was just devastating to hear because Jasper is just full of light and I couldn't imagine that this had happened and why did it happen," said Robin Hart, Jasper's former teacher and swim coach.
Hart said Jasper the kind of person who lights up a room.
"He is energetic, he loves life, he wears bright colors. Yesterday, I wore a bright color because Jasper is just full of life. He is the light in the room and we just love him and are just excited when he enters the room," Hart said.
Many here are struggling with this dark news, knowing Jasper is a light for so many.
"He's a really funny guy," Hessler said. "If he were at a party, he'd be the light of the party. He's a great guy."
Those gathered here are hoping the winds in Pendleton carry their words and their prayers to Jasper and his family in the hospital.
"It means a lot. It means a lot because all these people want Jasper to get better," Niwamanya said. "I know he's going to be touched by it."
And hoping, too, that the person who hit Jasper and left can be found.
"Just hope that the person that has created this accident, just to lay it on their heart that they will come forward and confess that they injured Jasper," Hart said.
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office tells 13News they're still searching for witnesses and the suspect's vehicle in the case.
They say they believe the vehicle may have damage to the front, right and passenger side. Anyone with any information should call the sheriff's office. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/community-friends-hold-prayer-vigil-for-hancock-county-teen-injured-in-hit-and-run-indiana-jasper-young/531-7c000b78-5e5b-42eb-85e0-2023cf368355 | 2023-06-21T06:44:15 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/community-friends-hold-prayer-vigil-for-hancock-county-teen-injured-in-hit-and-run-indiana-jasper-young/531-7c000b78-5e5b-42eb-85e0-2023cf368355 |
CARMEL, Ind. — The Carmel Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Andrew Prather, Jr., who they believe may be in 'extreme danger' the department said Tuesday.
Prather Jr. is described as being a 79-year-old male, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 215 pounds, with white hair with brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a brown shirt, grey cargo shorts and white tennis shoes, and driving a white 2006 Cadillac Escalade with Indiana registration 29J8.
Andrew is missing from Carmel, Indiana which is 16 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. He was last seen on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 6:30 am. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.
If you have any information on Andrew Prather, Jr., contact the Carmel Police Department at 317-571-2500 or 911. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-andrew-prather-jr-of-carmel-indiana/531-f99e310a-4ae3-4379-9208-44a3691b8a94 | 2023-06-21T06:44:22 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/silver-alert-issued-for-andrew-prather-jr-of-carmel-indiana/531-f99e310a-4ae3-4379-9208-44a3691b8a94 |
Memorial Day will never be the same. Mom clocked out on May 29, 2023, after a 97-year run. She wanted to go and see Dad.
She was the last of four siblings Gerald, Richard, and Edwin to go. She left behind all five kids: Cheryl Young, Linda Williamson (Leonard), Jeff (Carmel) Bergstrom, Clay Bergstrom, Clint (Bonnie) Bergstrom, and lots of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
We will always remember her spirit, sense of humor, and strong will power. Mom, tell Dad Hi for us! | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/arlene-bergstrom/article_b4adef9b-6ec7-5fb2-867a-12f3bbfccb92.html | 2023-06-21T06:47:28 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/arlene-bergstrom/article_b4adef9b-6ec7-5fb2-867a-12f3bbfccb92.html |
June 30, 1927 - June 14, 2023
DECLO — Our beloved father, Bill Rex Poulton, a 95-year-old resident of Declo, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
Bill was born in Oakley, Idaho, June 30, 1927, to George Richard and Lela (Todd) Poulton. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Oakley High School and subsequently served our country in the United States Navy during World War II in the Philippines.
Upon returning home he married the love of his life, Patricia Lee Ewell. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised eight children at their home in Warm Creek, Oakley, Idaho. After 28 years they sold the ranch and took the four younger ones and moved to Grangeville, Idaho, living three years at Pittsburg Landing or Hells Canyon.
He loved living and ranching off Pittsburg Landing. He would have loved to die there but Patty's cancer had returned. They moved to Malta to be closer to her doctors. After her death he raised the two youngest ones in Malta before moving to Declo where he ended this chapter of his life.
Bill loved ranching and producing good quality beef. He was a great horseman and cattleman. He was able to do amazing things with those animals. Many people bought his beef; it was always so good tasting. He valued the quality of his work.
Bill was a hero to his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to any. He was a man of strong faith always patterning his life after the Savior. He was always giving to those who were in need.
Dad started making quilts after mom passed away. Many of them he gave not only to his family but to people who were down on their luck. He was always willing to serve others. He was a man of great character and strength. He was a great example to his family.
Bill is survived by his children, Jim (April) Poulton, Karla Johnson (Jeff, deceased), Bob (Rolane) Poulton, Liz Poulton, Linda (Dave) Harper, Carol Poulton, Amy (Dale) Darrington, and Trish (Jason) Paskett; 25 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild – with three on the way.
In addition to his wife, Patty, he was preceded in death by a son, Rex Poulton; one daughter, Jill Poulton; his parents; two granddaughters, Cindy Poulton and Lela Darrington; siblings, Kelly Poulton, Ruth Matthews, Boyd Poulton, and Parley Poulton; and a son-in-law, Jeff Johnson.
The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main St., in Declo. Military rites will be presented by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group. Burial will be in Oakley Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2023 at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral, at the church. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/bill-rex-poulton/article_3df327f4-1cb4-5b6a-8237-6acbe567588d.html | 2023-06-21T06:47:34 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/bill-rex-poulton/article_3df327f4-1cb4-5b6a-8237-6acbe567588d.html |
Jan. 9, 1971 - April 30, 2023
BURLEY — Charles Scott Jones, a 52-year-old resident of Show Low, Arizona, and formerly of Burley, returned to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 30, 2023. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.
Scott was born on January 9, 1971, in Burley, Idaho, to John Charles “Chuck” and Susan Coleen (Shill) Jones. Being the oldest child, he was later joined by three sisters, Heather, Heidi, and the caboose, Hollie. Scott was raised in Burley where he received his education and graduated from Burley High School in 1989.
He subsequently joined and proudly served in the United States Army living in Texas, Korea, and Colorado. He married in 1992 and had three wonderful children – two girls and a son.
Growing up for Scott was not always easy with three sisters. He loved them with all his heart and teased them mercilessly. As your sisters, we miss you terribly and look forward to meeting you again on the other side.
Scott enjoyed working and loved to spend time with his dad building the girls' camp lodge and cabins. Additionally, he was a man of the outdoors and had such fond memories of hunting and fishing with his father.
He was a football fan and, as your family, we will forgive your loyalty as a Dallas Cowboys fan but will cheer you on as a Boise State fan. We will miss you dearly at the game this year against North Dakota.
Scott is survived by his mother, Susan Jones; his sisters: Heather, Heidi, and Hollie; his three children; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chuck; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the medical doctors, nurses and first responders in Arizona. A thank you never seems near enough to express our gratitude.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 23, at Pleasant View Cemetery, 1645 E. 16th St., in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/charles-scott-jones/article_347a1545-1870-57a9-9b2d-9d7f804001c3.html | 2023-06-21T06:47:40 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/charles-scott-jones/article_347a1545-1870-57a9-9b2d-9d7f804001c3.html |
Sept. 17, 1935—June 5, 2023
TWIN FALLS — Donna Louise Nickles-Elmore, loving mother passed away on Monday, June 5, 2023.
She is survived by her three children: Debra Lee Nickles of Eagle, Idaho, Michael James Nickles of Seminole, Florida, Cindy Lu Nickles of Twin Falls, Idaho; her grandchildren: Erin Robello of Boise, Idaho and Thomas Michael Nickles of Pocatello, Idaho.
Arrangements are with Parkes Funeral Home. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/donna-louise-nickles-elmore/article_2c8035d8-1ab4-5c94-831c-cff7b70a27d0.html | 2023-06-21T06:47:47 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/donna-louise-nickles-elmore/article_2c8035d8-1ab4-5c94-831c-cff7b70a27d0.html |
TWIN FALLS — Elisa Maria Lugo, 39, of Twin Falls, passed away June 18, 2023 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital. Friends may visit with the family at a viewing on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls. To leave online condolences and a full obituary, go to: www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.
Elisa Maria Lugo
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A Celebration of Life for Michael T. Phillips will be held Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, Ketchum, Idaho.
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A Celebration of Life for Michael T. Phillips will be held Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens, Ketchum, Idaho.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/michael-t-phillips/article_fe3ea6f5-6c76-5368-a682-68f33f83be3e.html | 2023-06-21T06:47:59 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/michael-t-phillips/article_fe3ea6f5-6c76-5368-a682-68f33f83be3e.html |
A memorial service for William N. Watts, 5/30/36—3/24/23, will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 492 Washington N, Twin Falls.
William N. Watts
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Dec. 11, 1950—June 12, 2023
OAKLEY — Karla Rae (Finch) Cranney, 72, passed away June 12, 2023, working in the yard she loved alongside her sweetheart. Karla was born December 11, 1950, in Payson, Utah, to Ray and Leoan Finch, the youngest of three daughters. She spent her childhood in Spanish Fork, Castle Dale, and eventually Tremonton, Utah.
She graduated from Bear River High School in 1969 where she was a Hi-Stepper and participated in many other activities. Karla was a student of ballet and continued the love of dance throughout her life.
Karla attended BYU-Hawaii and then Utah State University, graduating in 1973. At Utah State, she met Doug Cranney. Doug wrote down her name during roll call and later saw her walking on campus, where she went “whipping by” and walked into the Kappa Delta house. He investigated, got her phone number, called to ask her out and she promptly turned him down! Doug persisted and they were married on September 13, 1972.
After college, they moved back to the family farm in Oakley, making it their home and joining the business with Doug’s brothers Bill and Mike. Karla had quite an adjustment, moving to a small farm town and the Cranney brothers’ wild-west way of life. She (eventually) embraced and loved it. They have made the home they built in the “rock pile” into a beautiful landscape.
Karla taught and coached at Oakley High School from 1974 to 1976, and from 1984 to 2008. Her and Doug were loyal supporters of all Oakley athletics. Karla made lifelong friends with students, teachers, and co-workers during her years of teaching.
Karla had endless energy and spent years giving service to community organizations including the Oakley Booster Club, OVAC, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Oakley Valley Historical Association, serving as Guardian Ad Litem, and volunteering at Cassia Regional Hospital. Most recently she was a volunteer for Intermountain Home Health and Hospice.
Karla was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many callings and capacities. She loved the gospel and the Savior and lived a Christ-like life of service.
Karla is loved dearly by her family and is adored by her grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Leoan Finch and her sister, Karen Finch Germer. She is survived by her husband, Doug, her children: Tyler (Renee) Cranney, Natasya (Chris) Jackson, Trevor (Analise) Cranney, Ali (Ammon) McBride, her 17 grandchildren: Austin, Bentley, Camden & Berlin Cranney; Jett, Trey, & Bekam Jackson; Ivy, Oliver, Tristen, Baker, & Zander Cranney; Gavin, Quincy, Parker, Bria, & Nixon McBride, and her sister, Linda Kay (Owen) Udy.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Karla Cranney Education Scholarship account at any D.L. Evans Bank location.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Oakley Stake Center in Oakley with Bishop Brian Lindquist officiating, burial will follow in the Marion Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Wednesday evening, June 21, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Oakley Stake Center and from 10:00 until 10:45 AM Thursday morning at the church prior to the funeral. A live webcast will be available and maintained on the Morrison Funeral Home Website, morrisonfuneralhome.net
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Hwy 24 in Rupert. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/karla-rae-finch-cranney/article_f9f62208-2e18-5abd-b1a9-952d915bc62b.html | 2023-06-21T06:48:12 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/karla-rae-finch-cranney/article_f9f62208-2e18-5abd-b1a9-952d915bc62b.html |
Oct. 20, 1962 - June 7, 2023
BURLEY — Michael James Bird, 60, of Burley, Idaho, passed away, due to complications of cancer, on June 7, 2023. Mike was born in North Bend, OR on October 20, 1962 to his mother, Darlene Joy Bohnstedt and his father, James Ellis Bird, Jr.
Mike was raised in Coos Bay, OR with his three siblings, Mary Jean, Jamie, and Jeff. Throughout his school years he excelled in sports and academics. He played basketball, football, and was a heavy weight wrestling state champion.
Mike was always known to be “larger than life” in his appearance and personality. He attended college at the University of Idaho. After college he moved back to North Bend, OR where he met Andrea See and his beloved son, Landry See. After marrying Andrea, they welcomed his daughter, Tucker Jean, into their family and she became “Daddy's Girl”.
Soon after Mike and Andrea divorced, Mike joined a new family of brothers, Brother Speed MC. For the next 22 years these men were by his side for all of life's ups and downs. After a bad motorcycle accident his brother, Gary, urged him to move to Idaho to focus on his declining health. All of the support from his brothers resulted in his health improving tremendously and his life started to take a turn for the better.
A short time after moving to Idaho, he met Tucker's “New Momma” and the love of his life, Lori Bird. On February 29, 2012, they tied the knot! With their union everyone quickly knew that their families were meant to be one. Mike gained three wonderful children Amber, Michael, Chancie, and a whole school bus of grand kids! He spent most Sunday's cooking, playing Yahtzee and Cribbage, and enjoying the company of his family. He looked forward to time spent with his son in-law's Chris and Cody and the many projects they worked on together.
Mike was known by all for his amazing talents in speaking, mentoring, witty comebacks, and all of the love he gave to everyone around him. Among all of his skills, he was a master finish carpenter and builder.
At the time of his passing he was employed by Dan Willie as a General Manager at The Travelers Oasis. He loved his new job and was so grateful to be home after five years away from his family being a General Manager at Americold Logistics. He was very passionate and dedicated to everything he did in his career in management.
He was preceded in death by his mother, father and sister-in-law, Kashana Bird.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Bird; siblings: Mary Jean Bird, Jamie Bird and Jeff Bird; nephews: Justin Bird, Jason Bird and Joshua Bird; children: Tucker Jean Bird, Landry See (Britt), Amber Whitaker, Michael Whitaker, Chancie Allen (Chris); and all of his beautiful grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Mike's service will be held at Grace Church, 100 N. Meridian, Rupert, ID 83350 on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brother Speed MC Toy Run as a tribute to Mike: 115 D St., Rupert, ID 83350.
Service arrangements are under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-james-bird/article_b72940bc-9f07-5bf2-a093-0fff854fb160.html | 2023-06-21T06:48:18 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-james-bird/article_b72940bc-9f07-5bf2-a093-0fff854fb160.html |
July 4, 1955—June 15, 2023
TWIN FALLS — Randal Scott O’Melia known to most as Scott, was born July 4, 1955, in Hollywood, CA. He passed away in his home unexpectedly June 15, 2023.
Scott is survived by his wife, Diane, two daughters: Lyndsey and Kristen, one niece.
Scott was a jack of all trades with that last of his jobs being at 1st Federal Savings Bank.
Scott joined the military after high school. He did 2 years of active duty in the Air Force, 4 years in the Air Force National Guard, and 17 years in the Army National Guard for a total of 22 years of service.
After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, going to estate sells, having coffee with friends, and a friendly smile along with a few jokes to anyone who would listen.
Family and friends were everything to Scott. He taught his girls how to hunt and fish during his numerous hunting trips. He and his family would go on numerous camping trips and vacations to see out of state relatives throughout the years as well.
Scott enjoyed having friends stop by and stopping by at their houses and sharing memories from his colorful childhood.
He loved being on the water, in the mountains, and the dirt roads in the desert.
Friends may visit with the family at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd. in Twin Falls on Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 PM. There will be a Celebration of Life at the funeral home on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 9:30 AM. Burial with military honors will follow the services at Snake River Canyon National Cemetery in Buhl, Idaho. To leave online condolences and for a full obituary, go to: www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com (http://www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com/).
Arrangements have been made with Parks Funeral Home in Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/randal-scott-omelia/article_117a651f-3d0a-5a6d-b45c-18a7619c5dc0.html | 2023-06-21T06:48:24 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/randal-scott-omelia/article_117a651f-3d0a-5a6d-b45c-18a7619c5dc0.html |
Ronald Garner Baker
July 14, 1948 - June 9, 2023
BURLEY – Loving husband and father, Ronald G. Baker, age 74, of Burley, Idaho, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.
Ron was born in Rupert, Idaho, on July 14, 1948, to Wade and Afton Ethel (Garner) Baker. He grew up with his seven siblings on their family farm where he developed a strong work ethic.
He loved farming and could grow the best potatoes, sugar beets, and grain. Ron's life farming shaped him to become a man who knew how to get things done and to enjoy life to the fullest.
One of those joys in Ron's life was anything with an engine. Renowned for his ingenuity and talent with all things mechanical, Ronnie could fix anything. As a serious horse-power addict, Ron built and raced dragsters, funny cars, muscle cars, boats, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Ron's genius for making things faster brought in everyone who was near, including family and lifelong friends who had a lot of fun with him. They admired his skill, respected his knowledge, but they loved him for his wit, humor, warmth, and genuine friendship.
Ron married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Watterson, on June 17, 1977. During their 46-year marriage, Ron and Mary raised their three children, Tamara, Candice, and Chad Baker, at their home in Golden Valley. The whole family would go on trips to see Ron race and have adventures together.
With Mary, Ron was able to experience great joy through his family. Whether visiting with friends while working on a motor, teaching his kids how to ride a four-wheeler, or just driving to town with Mary, Ron reveled in being with his loved ones. A good, kind man who was always generous with his time, Ron lent a hand to everyone he met and often helped without needing to be asked.
Ron was a devoted grandfather who had an ability to make even the smallest of his grandchildren feel like the biggest and most important person in the room. His sense of humor tickled every kid, and it was hard not to laugh when Ron decided he wanted to see them giggle. Playing with grandkids, Ron would amaze us with how kind and gentle a big man could be.
Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Watterson) Baker; his daughter, Tamara Taylor and son-in-law, J.D. Taylor, and their children: Jonathan, Alaura, and Ethan Taylor; his daughter, Candice Garrard and son-in-law, Casey Garrard, and their children: Madison and Carson Garrard; and his son, Chad Baker and his children: Tegan and Ellie Baker. He is remembered by his siblings: Larry (Radean) Baker, Shirlene (LaMont) Andersen, Dwaine (Linda) Baker, and Rell (Sanie) Baker; and sisters-in-law: Sherry Baker and Janette Baker.
Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wade and Afton Baker; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rex and Virginia Watterson; and his brothers: Leland Baker, Dennis Baker, and Loren Baker.
The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Pella 2nd Ward, located at 160 W. 400 S., of Burley. Burial will be at Pella Cemetery.
Family and friends will be received from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2023 at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, at the church.
A webcast of the funeral service will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com.
Thank you to all the family and friends that enjoyed life with Ron. We love you forever, Ronnie, Dad, and Grandpa. Your wife, children, and grandchildren know you will always be with us. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ronald-garner-baker/article_9d8d2a66-5d45-5349-ab56-2d164f90ed74.html | 2023-06-21T06:48:30 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ronald-garner-baker/article_9d8d2a66-5d45-5349-ab56-2d164f90ed74.html |
Nov. 2, 1975—June 11, 2023
MERIDIAN — On June 11, 2023, Ryan Earl Jones, 47, of Meridian, ID, passed away peacefully at home after suffering a prolonged illness. His loving mother (Jan Jones) was at his side when he passed.
Born in Salt Lake City on November 2, 1975 to Earl and Janice (Swank) Jones, Ryan is the eldest of their six children.
Ryan, or Jonesy, as his friends called him, spent the majority of his formative years in Jerome, Idaho where he graduated high school in 1994. This is where he met his wife. She and Ryan moved to the Wood River Valley where he was a successful entrepreneur owning several businesses there. This is also where they had two children, Jackson and Piper, whom Ryan absolutely adored.
After he and his wife divorced, she moved to Boise to pursue an education, and Ryan followed to be close to his kids. That is where he remained for the rest of his life.
Ryan had a green thumb and loved tending his garden and having a yard that could make anyone jealous. He loved music and went to countless concerts, but he was also musically talented himself and could sit at the piano and play almost any song after just hearing it once.
Ryan grew up camping and hiking with his dad and brothers, but it was in his time spent in the Wood River that he really grew to have a love of the outdoors. He could regularly be found paddle boarding, fishing, boating, snowboarding, camping with his family, or just spending time with his beloved dog, Stella.
Ryan lived life fast and loved hard. He was known for his awesome hugs, big crooked smile, and epic BBQ’s with an invite to all. He truly had the biggest heart and held a compassionate love for all of the people he crossed paths with.
Ryan also had multiple sclerosis and was an active member of the Treasure Valley MS Community Council, as well as a board member for Treasure Valley MS Community Partners, where he volunteered his time.
Ryan is survived by his two children, Jackson and Piper, and his mother Jan, as well as five siblings: Andy, Chris, Jenny, Greg, and Wynn. He is preceded in death by his father Earl, and all four grandparents.
Ryan was loved by many and will be sorely missed. He was cremated and his ashes will be spread at a location he loved. His Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with an announcement to follow. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ryan-earl-jones/article_0ab09f62-9a5b-50f1-ba0f-e7bc75706ab2.html | 2023-06-21T06:48:36 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/ryan-earl-jones/article_0ab09f62-9a5b-50f1-ba0f-e7bc75706ab2.html |
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – A boat and trailer were stolen from the 1900 block of Canton Avenue in Lehigh Acres between June 11 and June 13.
Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is searching for a 19′ Four Winns boat and trailer, according to a Facebook post.
The boat was on a 21′ single-axle black, RCBH trailer when it was stolen.
Officials ask if you have any information regarding this incident to contact SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS or www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com. A cash reward is possible. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/06/19/boat-and-trailer-stolen-in-lehigh-acres/ | 2023-06-21T07:09:32 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/06/19/boat-and-trailer-stolen-in-lehigh-acres/ |
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. – Two children were hit by a car in Lehigh Acres on Tuesday while riding an electric-type bike.
According to Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District, the children were hit by a Jeep pickup truck at Elva Avenue and 13th Street Southwest.
One of them was med-flighted to a trauma center, while the other was transported to a local hospital.
The current condition of both children is unknown.
Count on NBC2 to bring you the latest updates as they become available. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/06/20/two-children-hit-by-car-in-lehigh-acres/ | 2023-06-21T07:09:38 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2023/06/20/two-children-hit-by-car-in-lehigh-acres/ |
Initial zoning has been approved for the planned entertainment and retail complex at State Highway 191 and State Highway 158.
A full panel of seven Planning and Zoning Commissioners unanimously approved a request by Charles Hodges Development Services for an initial zoning of RR, Regional Retail District, for the $45 million project that will cover 17.345 acres.
Bass Pro Shops has already confirmed it will be the major national retailer to be part of the development, occupying a 65,000-square-foot location. There will also be a pad for a 60,000-square-foot, two-story family cinema and entertainment center complete with an outdoor music and event stage as well as locations for smaller retailers and restaurants.
The Midland Development Corp. has agreed to contribute $5 million to fund infrastructure for roads – including an east-west extension of Sinclair Avenue and a new north-south road, as well as drainage, water and other infrastructure.
Commissioners also paved the way for two new restaurants, approving specific use designations for both.
Besim Jaha received unanimous approval for his request for a Specific Use Designation with Term for Alcoholic Beverages Sales for On-Premises Consumption in a restaurant for his Fuoco Italian Cuisine restaurant to be located in the Colonnade at Polo Park shopping center, 4610 N. Garfield St. Proposed hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day seven days a week.
Leovardo Leon also received unanimous approval for his request for a Specific Use Designation With Term for Alcoholic Beverages Sales for On-Premises Consumption at his recently-opened restaurant, Tacos Wey at 900 S. Big Spring St. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to midnight daily.
In other action, commissioners approved
- A request by Yelena Fiester for a zone change from PD, Planned Development District for a Shopping Center to an amended PD for Texas Roadhouse at 4512 W. Loop 250 N. The restaurant plans to add a 120 square foot exterior cooler to be attached to the north side of the main building and additional parking on the west side for 99 spaces and one new disabled parking space on the north side.
- A request by Ariel Windsor for a Specific Use Designation with Term for Alcoholic Beverages Sales for On Premise Consumption in a Bar for Bourbon Street, 120 N. Main St. The request was made because the bar is under new management and is amending its hours of operation to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next morning daily.
- A request by Lori Michele Kettle for a Specific Use Designation with Term for Alcoholic Beverages Sales for On Premise Consumption in a Bar at Buffalo Nickel by Cibolo Creek at 216 N. Main St. The request was made to expand hours of operation from the current 3 to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to midnight Sundays to noon to 2 a.m. the next morning daily. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/bass-pro-shop-complex-midland-gets-initial-zoning-18162014.php | 2023-06-21T07:09:49 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/bass-pro-shop-complex-midland-gets-initial-zoning-18162014.php |
The Midland ISD Bond Planning Committee decided to recommend multiple propositions on a ballot in November.
All totaled, the committee decided on $1.678 billion in projects Tuesday night at Legacy High School.
Those propositions will be:
- A: Two new high schools ($1.077 billion), middle school additions and renovations ($225.3 million) and safety, security and accessibility ($58.7 million). Proposition A total: $1.361 billion)
- B: Deferred maintenance ($260.2 million), new elementary ($57 million). Proposition B total: $317.2 million.
The committee will make its recommendation to the Midland ISD board at its regular July meeting. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-isd-bond-committee-chooses-two-18162404.php | 2023-06-21T07:09:55 | 1 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/midland-isd-bond-committee-chooses-two-18162404.php |
Teaching children the process, importance of farm-to-table
A natural gas company has funded a program to lead the conversation on conservation with local youth.
Dominion Energy has partnered with Keep Gastonia Beautiful and R.A.M.S. Kitchen to bring a summer program to Gastonia that will allow children to learn how farm-to-table eating plays a role in the environment.
More than 500 of Gaston County’s children signed up for the program through summer camps with community partners including the Schiele Museum, Boys and Girls Club, T. Jeffers Recreation Center, First Wesleyan Church, Warlick YMCA, the Dream Center and the Erwin Center.
Gastonia's Farmer's Market has already hosted the first out of 18 of these events set to take place over the course of the summer.
The children meet local farmers at the farmers market to learn from them about local crops, why eating local matters, and how it can impact personal nutrition and the world around them, according to Persida Montanez, spokeswoman for Dominion Energy.
After meeting with the farmers, the children take food from the farmers market, and work with staff from R.A.M.S. Kitchen to get hands-on experience by making a fresh and healthy snack right there. The goal is to show them nutrition can be “palatable and accessible,” Montanez said.
Another aspect of this program is placing emphasis on connecting food insecure populations with the farmers and culinary experts. The partnership with R.A.M.S. Kitchen is especially impactful in that department.
R.A.M.S. Kitchen food truck was born from necessity in the Highland community of west Gastonia, which has struggled with food insecurity due to difficulty getting a grocery store in the area. The community has grown much of their own food and started the Really Amazing Meals with Soul Kitchen in a local church.
For Dominion Energy, this is part of a larger movement. According to Montanez, the company has intentions to help “build a better future.”
Aside from their commitment to net-zero their emissions from gas and electrical by 2050, Dominion is also funding this program through their Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. The foundation awards grants to nonprofits in the communities it serves to fund programs in any of the four eligible categories: human needs, environmental stewardship, education, and community vitality.
For this program, Keep Gastonia Beautiful was awarded $15,000, and Montanez says it falls under the environmental stewardship category. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/keep-gastonia-beautiful-partners-with-dominion-energy-to-educate-kids/70330094007/ | 2023-06-21T07:10:35 | 0 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/keep-gastonia-beautiful-partners-with-dominion-energy-to-educate-kids/70330094007/ |
Six things to know about Gastonia car show to support a cause
A car show held in Gastonia in July will raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Gaston, and participants will have a chance to win prizes.
When is it?
The show will be held July 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pit Stop Xpress at 2829 S York Road, Gastonia.
What will be there?
Among other things, it will feature a full-scale model of Optimus Prime, a character from the Transformers movies, that was built by Jimmy Woody, the owner of the Gastonia retro toy shop Back in Time Collectibles.
Why is it happening?
Raja Gupta, the owner of Pit Stop Xpress, said that he got the idea for the show around a year ago.
"Well, I like cars. A lot of the customers that come to my store, they like cars," he said.
He said that he's donating the proceeds for the show because he wants to help the younger generation.
"We've got to make sure that kids that are growing up have a future and know that, hey, there's people out there that are willing to help us, willing to make sacrifices for us," he said.
Gupta is seeking participants who want to show their cars.
What are the prizes?
The first place winner will receive $100; the second place winner will receive $50; and the third place winner will receive $25. All three winners get a trophy.
Everyone who enters their vehicle in the show will have their name entered in a drawing. At the end of the show, three names will be drawn, and one winner will be awarded either $50 cash or a $50 card for gas at the Pit Stop Xpress.
The second- and third-place winners will be awarded gift bags from the Pit Stop Xpress.
There will be food trucks at the show, as well as free hot dogs while supplies last.
Guest judge Street Money Snow will be in attendance to judge the competition. Snow has worked with artists including 2 Chainz, Bankroll Fresh, and more.
Who can come?
The public is invited, and the event is free, said Chris Hill, owner of Whip Cash Records and one of the organizers.
"We want everyone to come have a good time, and anyone who wants to enter, it's car, bike, truck, jeeps, anything, if they want to come," Hill said. "It's for a wonderful cause."
How to enter?
There is a $50 entry fee. For vehicle registration, text 980-888-5099. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/six-things-to-know-about-gastonia-car-show-to-support-a-cause/70318582007/ | 2023-06-21T07:10:41 | 1 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/six-things-to-know-about-gastonia-car-show-to-support-a-cause/70318582007/ |
WINONA, Minn.-- After months of distress in searching for the missing Winona woman, Madeline Kingsbury, loved ones and the community are able to say goodbye to the late mother of two, who authorities say was killed by her former partner, Adam Fravel.
A public memorial will be held at 1 pm Sunday, June 25 at the Winona State University's McCown gym.
For a community that has supported the Kingsbury family through searches and donations, the memorial serves as an opportunity to continuing shining the light on Maddi.
Madeline's father, David posted on the Finding Madeline Kingsbury Facebook page, thanking everyone for the role they played in bringing her justice. He says, now the mission is to be "very vocal and very loud" about preventing domestic abuse violence.
Others spoke on the need for victims to seek help.
"I think sometimes you don't realize how bad it is when you're in it.” One person, Katelyn Bruce, says. “That's just your life , that's what you know, that's what you're committed to and especially if you have kids, you're trying to provide a sense of normalcy for them. Maybe it's hard to see the big picture and think, 'I can take this on, it's for them and you don't realize how bad it is."
If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/public-memorial-set-for-madeline-kingsbury/article_debe0758-0fe5-11ee-ae0f-530cf416ff7a.html | 2023-06-21T07:40:12 | 0 | https://www.kimt.com/news/local/public-memorial-set-for-madeline-kingsbury/article_debe0758-0fe5-11ee-ae0f-530cf416ff7a.html |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Deer are being illegally hunted along the American River Parkway in Sacramento County.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife wants the public's help to catch poachers. They posted new signs along the parkway encouraging the public to call in suspicious activity.
The parkway has long been a refuge for wildlife, where up-close deer encounters are common, according to nature photographer Timothy McGinn, who for the last 50 years has captured images of the bucks and their antlers growing larger as they age.
But in recent years, he noticed something was off.
"The big, giant bucks. I'd see them one day and gone the next," said McGinn.
McGinn suspected poaching, then he started finding the evidence.
One day, he saw a deer with an arrow in its side, still alive.
"It makes me sick. That’s why I’ve been a fanatic about trying to get this program started, seriously for 10 hard years," said McGinn.
He began a decade-long campaign to raise awareness, first alerting the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Poachers kill the deer for their meat, for their antlers or just for the thrill of it, according to Captain Patrick Foy, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"All of those are unlawful in this parkway, and it’s something that we’re going to take seriously and we’re going to investigate that and use every tool at our disposal," said Foy.
Their newest tool in the fight against poachers is McGinn's "STOP POACHERS" signs, which include the hotline for local authorities.
"My wife and I designed the signs, and we had them printed and Fish & Wildlife OK’d them. Allowed me to use their logo," said McGinn.
With funding from the Save American River Association, McGinn is installing signs up and down the parkway.
"I think we’re starting to see where people don’t want to take that chance. It’s just not worth it. Everybody is watching. They see these signs, and they’re watching all the time," said McGinn.
WATCH ALSO: | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/poachers-killing-deer-american-river-parkway/103-706ade52-c795-4676-828f-f4f2c298b24e | 2023-06-21T08:04:34 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/poachers-killing-deer-american-river-parkway/103-706ade52-c795-4676-828f-f4f2c298b24e |
PORTLAND, Oregon — The mother of Portland’s latest homicide victim is asking the public to help police catch her son’s killer.
“He was a dad, he was a good kid,” said Cherish Sawyer, whose son, 29-year-old Dominick Sawyer was murdered June 10.
According to police, Dominick was shot and killed at around 1:47 a.m. at the intersection of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Southwest Harvey Milk Street. Two other shooting victims survived. Cherish said her son was sitting in his car when it happened.
“You know somebody saw the shooter. Somebody did,” said Cherish. “I want to see the person who killed my son and look them in the eyes and let them know what they took from hundreds of people.”
Cherish said Dominick left behind three young children for whom she's trying to raise support. She picked up Dominick’s cremated remains on Tuesday and cradled the urn in her lap while sharing memories of him.
“Something about my son is whether you knew him a minute or you knew him his whole 29 years, there's something you'll always remember about him,” said Cherish. “He loved to love and that was his purpose in life, to love people and make him laugh.”
Dominick's death is the 37th homicide in Portland, this year. As investigators navigate urban and suburban landscapes rife with violent crime, Cherish said the pain she feels spills over for future victims. She wants it all to end.
“Somebody needs to do something to change it,” said Cherish. “Or there's going to be more Dominicks sitting in their car and dead.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Portland Police Detective Shaye Samora at shaye.samora@police.portlandoregon.gov or Detective Tony Harris at tony.harris@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 23-62161. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-homicide-victim/283-09637251-95f6-4b06-9b21-983a3368c65e | 2023-06-21T08:11:44 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-homicide-victim/283-09637251-95f6-4b06-9b21-983a3368c65e |
A violent night across the city's five boroughs left a trail of victims nearly a dozen long, five of which ultimately died from their injuries, law enforcement officials said.
The gun violence erupted in the first minutes of the day, just after midnight, and stretched for nearly 24 hours by the time the victim count reached 11.
Among those killed, police say a 16-year-old boy died in a shooting in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood. Investigators looking into that shooting recovered video allegedly showing two suspects running from the scene.
"I am so tired, tired of mothers crying, tired of helping mothers bury they children," Shneaqua Purvis, with Both Sides of the Violence, said at a vigil for 16-year-old Amiere Hayes on Tuesday evening.
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Family and community groups gathered in honor of Hayes, who they say was simply in the wrong play at the wrong time. Police say the teenager was walking home along Marcus Garvey Boulevard when he was shot by one of two suspects seen in surveillance footage wearing face masks.
Hayes has been described by loved ones as a good kid who got good grades and looked forward to working every summer. His older sister says he often took care of her."
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"You would think that I would have been the one teaching him stuff, but he taught me a lot of things: how to love unconditionally," she said.
Police have not released a possible motive behind the teen's killing.
Detectives kept busy Monday, a holiday for many, responding to a spate of shootings across the city that left nearly a dozen victims scattered across four of the five boroughs.
Four separate shootings claimed the lives of men in the Bronx and Manhattan as the day wore on. Six additional victims across just three shootings survived, including three women shot in Washington Heights and two people on Staten Island, all wounded within a couple hours of each other.
Purvis could not hold back her frustration about the bloodshed claiming so many lives.
"When is it gonna stop? When? When?" she exclaimed.
Red and white balloons were released into the sky at the vigil for Hayes. And as the boy's mother prepares to bury her son, others across the city are preparing to do the same for their loved ones.
According to police information, shootings in New York City overall are down 24% compared to the same time last year. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/16-year-old-boy-among-5-killed-in-nyc-bloody-24-hour-stretch-of-shootings/4438870/ | 2023-06-21T08:21:10 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/16-year-old-boy-among-5-killed-in-nyc-bloody-24-hour-stretch-of-shootings/4438870/ |
Opponents of offshore wind energy projects in New Jersey are gathering force legally and politically as they seek to snuff out the nascent industry.
Within the last week, three residents groups sued New Jersey over a key approval of its first planned wind farm; the research arm of Congress agreed to investigate the impact of offshore wind on the environment and other areas; and lawmakers in two counties most heavily impacted by wind farms stepped up their efforts to block the projects.
Save Long Beach Island, Defend Brigantine Beach, and Protect Our Coast NJ filed an appeal Friday in state Superior Court of New Jersey’s determination that the Ocean Wind I project is consistent with state coastal management rules.
The project is New Jersey’s first, and a U.S. subsidiary of Danish wind developer Orsted could begin construction this year if remaining approvals are obtained.
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The appeal follows a decision by the investigative arm of Congress, the Congressional Accountability Office, to study the impact of offshore wind on the environment and other areas — something opponents have long wanted.
Bruce Afran, an attorney for the groups, said the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection “has acknowledged the wind turbines will destroy marine habitat, compress the seafloor, severely damage marine communities, compromise migration corridors for endangered marine mammals, cause commercial fishing stocks to decline, and injure the beach economy.”
“Yet, the state persists in the bizarre belief that this massive engineering project will not injure our state’s coastal zone, one of the most important marine communities on the East Coast and the core of New Jersey’s $47 billion tourist industry,” he added.
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The DEP declined and the state attorney general’s office declined comment.
Jeanne Fox, former head of the DEP, the state Board of Public Utilities and former regional head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, called the lawsuit “a delay tactic.”
“Numerous environmental studies have been done regarding offshore wind, for this specific Ocean Wind project and in general,” she said. “The greatest threat to the ocean habitat, sea mammals and fish is the climate crisis. Offshore wind will lessen the need to burn more fossil fuels.”
The project would build 98 wind turbines about 15 miles (24 kilometers) off the coast of Ocean City and Atlantic City. It is the first of three offshore wind projects to receive approval in New Jersey so far, with several more expected in years to come.
Afran cited numerous sections of the DEP’s April decision on Ocean Wind I acknowledging potential negative impacts on the surf clam industry; changes to the ocean floor from wind turbine foundations and equipment; and the regular use of the area as a migratory channel by five species of whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
He also cited a finding by the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that major impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries could occur, even with mitigation measures proposed by Orsted.
Liz Thomas, a spokeswoman for Ocean Wind I, said the project has been undergoing regulatory scrutiny for 12 years from nine federal agencies, three state agencies, and over 100 consulting parties, including local towns, tribes, and community organizations.
The lawsuit comes as lawmakers in Atlantic County, which includes Atlantic City, prepare to vote Tuesday on a measure supporting calls for a moratorium on offshore wind preparation work until an investigation can be completed into a spate of whale deaths along the East Coast. Three federal scientific agencies and one on the state level say there is no evidence linking the deaths of 50 whales since December to site preparation work for offshore wind projects.
Also, lawmakers in Cape May County, which includes Ocean City, last week hired two additional law firms to help them fight offshore wind projects. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/offshore-wind-foes-in-new-jersey-gathering-force-legally-and-politically/4437250/ | 2023-06-21T08:21:41 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/offshore-wind-foes-in-new-jersey-gathering-force-legally-and-politically/4437250/ |
GREENSBORO — A former Greensboro city employee says in a lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted on the job and faced hostility from other workers for filing a complaint with the city.
Jessica McNeill, who worked as a driver in the Field Operations Department, alleges she was assaulted by a man identified in the lawsuit as Robert Joyce. The civil lawsuit, filed June 6 in Guilford County Superior Court, says Joyce was a contract employee in the department at the time.
The News & Record generally does not identify victims of sexual assault, but McNeill agreed through her attorney to be named.
McNeill is seeking more than $10 million in compensatory damages and more than $100,000 in punitive damages from the city of Greensboro, the only defendant named in the lawsuit.
City Attorney Chuck Watts said the city had not yet been served with the lawsuit and could not comment. The plaintiff has 60 days to serve the city with the lawsuit.
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Joyce could not be reached for comment.
The alleged incident occurred on Sept. 28, 2020, when McNeill was bent over cleaning out a city truck. According to the lawsuit, she “felt sudden contact from behind” and the man thrust himself against her buttocks. The conduct was harmful, offensive and non-consensual, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit says she tried to report the incident the same day to her supervisor, identified in the lawsuit as Kevin Matherly.
However, Matherly told her he was “too busy to talk with her” and would get back with her later that day but never did, the lawsuit said.
Winston-Salem attorney Harvey Kennedy, who is representing McNeill, said she did not file a police report on the incident.
“My client was following the procedures that her company (the city) had,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy said McNeill next took her complaint to city management on Feb. 2, 2021, and then to the city’s Human Resources Department on Feb. 25, 2021. He would not name the person in city management to whom McNeill complained.
According to the lawsuit, McNeill was placed on paid administrative leave on Feb. 23, 2021, pending an investigation. McNeill was promised that the complaint and investigation would be strictly confidential, the lawsuit says.
But when McNeill returned to work on April 15, 2021, she discovered “her entire department had been told about her sexual battery incident,” according to the lawsuit.
Most department employees approached McNeill, and many “exhibited anger” that she had made a complaint and that her alleged attacker had lost his job, the lawsuit says.
“As a result, she was subjected to a hostile work environment. … She was embarrassed, humiliated, and degraded because her confidentiality had been violated,” the lawsuit said.
McNeill quit her job and now suffers from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia and a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence, according to the lawsuit.
The city invaded McNeill’s privacy and disregarded her rights, the lawsuit contends.
The lawsuit also states that prior to the incident, city management was aware that Joyce looked at pornography while on his job in a city truck. At least one employee had reported this, according to the lawsuit.
Joyce had worked for the city as a contract employee on a regular basis for 10 years and was a “negligent employee” based on his viewing of pornography, the lawsuit states, and the city was aware of this before the assault.
Kennedy said Joyce, whom he said drove a truck for the city, and Matherly were not named in the lawsuit because the city is the party that would be able to pay damages.
A jury trial is sought, according to the lawsuit. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/government-politics/sexual-battery-greensboro-city-worker-lawsuit/article_7207b79a-0bac-11ee-937c-03e369f1a5a9.html | 2023-06-21T08:28:52 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/government-politics/sexual-battery-greensboro-city-worker-lawsuit/article_7207b79a-0bac-11ee-937c-03e369f1a5a9.html |
Anna Maria Island water main break could take weeks to repair
It could take weeks for crews to fully repair a water main break that occurred on Monday afternoon, but services to Anna Maria Island residents served by the line should not be interrupted.
An estimated 1,000-foot segment of a 16-inch water main installed in 1982 that hangs along the Anna Maria Island bridge fell into Anna Maria Sound at about 4 p.m. on Monday. Officials said they became aware that some of the hangers supporting the water line had failed on Friday, but were unable to make repairs before the line fell.
Anna Maria Island residents may notice a drop in water pressure, but services should not be interrupted, officials said. The line is one of two that delivers water to Anna Maria Island, and residents will continue to be served by a 24-inch line that runs along the Cortez Bridge. Regardless, utility officials asked residents to conserve water until repairs are made.
The county is working with a local contractor, Woodruff & Sons, and coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation to choose appropriate repair methods. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/20/repairs-to-broken-water-main-to-anna-maria-island-could-take-weeks/70340001007/ | 2023-06-21T08:33:06 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/06/20/repairs-to-broken-water-main-to-anna-maria-island-could-take-weeks/70340001007/ |
Sarasota real estate company enters new phase as third generation takes control
The Robbins brothers sat in their office one day recently, sharing stories of their Midwestern values and Florida roots, in the building − marked by a handpainted sign − that will, for years to come, remain the family home.
Harry E. Robbins Associates Inc., Real Estate since 1971.
While the milestone was not planned as a Father's Day celebration, the four siblings earlier this month obtained full ownership of the company as their 91-year-old grandmother, Lois Robbins, and their father, Loyd Robbins, handed over their shares in the "family farm."
"I want to reaffirm my love for each of you and to let you know how proud I am of you," Loyd Robbins wrote to his sons in proposing the family business transfer. "Grandma and I have come to the point that it's time to pass the reins of the company over to you guys."
Kevin, 39, Troy, 36, Derek, 32, and Emerson, 24, now control the future for a commercial and residential real estate company that's been a staple in the Sarasota market for 52 years.
Last week their father wasn't in the building, though they could pick up the phone at anytime and seek advice.
They were ready for the transition. The brothers have breathed in real estate since they were children, tagging along on showings and digging post holes to erect for sale signs since elementary school.
In many ways, the office on Tuttle Avenue is home; the difference now is they're in control of the company's future.
“There’s always been this sense of responsibility," Kevin said. "That hasn’t changed; if anything we feel the responsibility even more as we are holding the rudder.”
Early start in Sarasota business
Their grandfather Harry Robbins started the business in 1971 in the same Tuttle Avenue building just north of Bee Ridge Road.
Harry and Lois lived on Homassasa Road just a street behind the real estate office. Back then, the Realtors Association's headquarters was across the street and every house was added to a book Realtors had to come check every week to see what new listings had come to market.
The Robbins ran a phone line through backyards so that Lois could still answer phones from the family's home. The company still uses that same number that once rang 200 yards from the office, the brothers noted.
Loyd Robbins joined the firm a few years after the founding and built up the real estate company's commercial business.
Troy Robbins said he remembers coming to the business and being put to work cleaning the waste paper baskets when he was just 8.
When he was in the fifth grade, Troy brought his grandfather to show and tell, he said, describing his admiration for his role models.
Now, he's the principal broker and heads the team's residential agents.
He said he knew from a young age he wanted to work with his grandfather and father, but not because he had particular interest in real estate.
They worked hard everyday and treated people right, he said.
“I wanted to be like them," Troy said. "I wanted to have great integrity, great character, great work ethic and help people in my community."
And he's trying to be the same type of role model to his children. His son demanded a Robbins-branded polo and now cleans out the waste paper baskets on weekends, just like his father did before.
Back in the business
Derek was the only son who didn't immediately join the business when he and his wife moved to South Carolina for two years.
“But I still, always in the back of my mind, knew I was going to come back,” he said.
One day he called his brothers late at night. They were still working at the office when he called and Kevin and Troy put on the full court press the moment he opened the door to the possibility of returning.
“Immediately, they pounced, and they started recruiting me back,” Derek said. “It was the best thing I ever did.”
That was about six years ago, the brothers noted.
Derek's glad he did make it back in time to finish his first transaction while his grandfather was still alive.
Harry Robbins passed in 2017, just a few days after Derek leased 3,000 square feet in a property off Bell Road.
It made him happy to know that his grandfather was able to see him do something in the company, he said.
Finding the best fit
Emerson, adopted from Haiti when he was 4, attended Florida State and was on the fence about immediately joining the company when he graduated.
Unlike with Derek, the other three brothers turned up the heat in a family conversation before he ever left, pointing out the sales company he planned to join with would not teach him as much as joining the family firm.
He remembers thinking about what he actually wanted, checking those boxes and realizing the best fit was on Tuttle Avenue.
The youngest brother, he's taken over social media and content creation, transforming how the firm presents itself to the public.
Recently, on a walkthrough of the Main Plaza property at 1991 Main Street, which the firm is currently leasing as two 10-story mixed-use buildings are constructed, Emerson pushed for a walkthrough video the company posted online.
Kevin, the oldest son, got his real estate license his freshman year of college and worked for his father and grandfather every summer.
It wasn't always a guarantee that he would stay in Sarasota as he had Ivy League aspirations for graduate school.
But one day, while talking with his grandfather, it just clicked.
"You know what, my grandfather started and built this tremendous legacy," Kevin said. "Why wouldn’t I want to carry this on and be that pillar of the community and help people with their vision and their dream?"
Kevin started fulltime at the family business right after college in 2005, when he says he got to see one of the best real estate markets, followed by one of the hardest real estate crashes ever.
"It was the perfect time to get in the business," he said.
By 2008, the Great Recession was in full swing and almost overnight a large section of the firm's business dried up. The company then pivoted to what business was left. And worked hard to grow what was there.
“If something is not going right, you got to figure out something else," he said. "You got to pivot, you got to go to the next stop."
While Loyd Robbins has stepped away from the day to day, Kevin knows he can still call him at anytime and he feels that his grandfather remains with him as well.
“Because of all the things he taught me over the years, I feel he’s with me,” Kevin said. “I feel I’m going out and representing what he taught me.”
But already, the next generation of Robbins are beginning to learn the trade. Kevin has four children and they often point to buildings and ask what the price per square foot is for space.
"It’s funny now watching my kids,” he said, “how much by osmosis you learn just by being in the business.”
Recent real estate coverage:Q&A: Michael Saunders discusses downtown Sarasota consolidation, future of yellow offices
More:Rally to save Sarasota from 'skyscrapers' as tallest building project goes to officials | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/21/third-generation-set-to-grow-sarasota-real-estate-company-to-new-heights/70313954007/ | 2023-06-21T08:33:12 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2023/06/21/third-generation-set-to-grow-sarasota-real-estate-company-to-new-heights/70313954007/ |
Miami developer plans to develop 348 apartments on Knights Trail Road in Venice
Increased density still less tan allowed by zoning; resident raises traffic concerns
VENICE – Kaplan Residential, a Miami-based family-owned real estate development company, has again changed course on the multifamily development it plans for 29.9 acres on Knights Trail Road, and now plans to build a 348-apartment gated community.
When the company closed on the $6 million land purchase in the summer of 2021, it envisioned building Generation at Venice as a complex of 239 townhomes.
That was a reduction from the 326 townhomes conceived when the development was discussed in June 2020.
On Tuesday, the Venice Planning Commission approved an amended site and development plan for the project that reflected the change.
Here’s what you need to know about that plan as well as another development proposal for Knights Trail Road – the subdivision of the roughly 60-acre Nokomis Groves property at the southeast corner of Knights Trail and Gene Green roads.
More homes, no traffic signal for Venice apartment plan
The design alternative approved for Generation at Venice added 109 homes to the corridor – more than first proposed by Kaplan Residential in 2020 but less than one envisioned when Ed Pinto wanted to develop John Nolen Gardens as an attainable housing complex.
A total of 630 multifamily homes had previously been approved for the 60.4-acre Nokomis Groves property and Tuesday’s preliminary plat broke the parcel up into two general commercial sites with planned entrances on Knights Trail Road, an intensive commercial site on the eastern portion of the land that would be self storage, two multifamily sites and a driveway.
Toscana Isles resident Suzanne Doyle, who spoke during the public comment portion for Nokomis Groves development, referenced Generation at Venice when she complained about how hard it is to get onto Knights Trail Road, especially between 7 and 8:30 a.m.
“It’s almost impossible to get out; there’s no traffic lights at all,” Doyle said. “The biggest point I'd like to make is that the traffic is awful.”
Both Venice Planning and Zoning Director Roger Clark and attorney Jackson Boone, who represented both developers, said they could foresee Sarasota County bumping up the timetable for improvements on Knights Trail Road, especially with the planned connection to Lorraine Road.
What’s next for Venice developments
For Generation at Venice, the Planning Commission approved the site plan modification for the development to reflect the extra homes, as well as a “design alternative” for a larger sign.
Kaplan Residential must still submit an application for a wider driveway.
The development order for the previously approved site plan was extended until Jan. 11, 2024. The approvals on the special exceptions, however, expired.
For Nokomis Groves, owned by CSP Grand Oaks Venice Land I, LLC, the next step would be site plan approval.
Different portions of the proposed mixed-use development are on the market.
For example, the 42-acre residential portion is currently being marketed to potential buyers with all entitlements and site plan approval for 630 homes in a two-phase project. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/developer-now-eyes-venice-tract-for-348-apartments-on-knights-trail/70339589007/ | 2023-06-21T08:33:18 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/developer-now-eyes-venice-tract-for-348-apartments-on-knights-trail/70339589007/ |
PGT Innovations acquires full ownership stake in Eco Enterprises, LLC
VENICE — Venice-based PGT Innovations has announced the company has acquired and now owns 100% stakeholder interest in Eco Enterprises, a window manufacturer based in South Florida.
PGT Innovations first acquired a 75% ownership stake in Eco in 2021 to accelerate revenue growth, expand margins, and strengthen the supply chain by adding glass production capacity, while diversifying and bolstering product lines to provide opportunities in residential and commercial markets, according to a company press release this month.
Jeff Jackson, PGT Innovations president and CEO, said that the company is excited to add the brand to its portfolio.
“Since acquiring ownership in Eco, we’ve been able to utilize this vertical integration to service the glass needs for some of our other brands,” Jackson said. “We’re very excited to reach the finalization of this purchase as it will allow us to further serve high growth markets in which we operate.”
PGT Innovations, a leader in the high-performance glass and window product industry, recently rebranded its product lines in May 2023. The company also revealed a new logo and tagline for the brand which was founded in 1987.
Over the last several years, the Venice-based company has acquired Western Window Systems, NewSouth Window Solutions, Anlin Windows & Doors, and Martin Door. PGT Innovations manufactures and supplies premium windows, doors, and garage doors. Its highly engineered and technically advanced products can withstand some of the toughest weather conditions on Earth and are revolutionizing the way people live by unifying indoor and outdoor living spaces.
PGT Innovations has installed 7 million units in homes. The company features an array of hurricane windows and products.
More PGT news:PGT Innovations unveils rebrand for PGT Custom Windows and Doors | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/pgt-innovations-announces-100-ownership-stake-in-eco-enterprises-llc/70338456007/ | 2023-06-21T08:33:24 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/pgt-innovations-announces-100-ownership-stake-in-eco-enterprises-llc/70338456007/ |
Venice to host workshop Thursday on proposed $163.8 million budget for 2023-24
This year includes planning for moving Fire Station 52 from a flood prone area to a new location next door to the police station
VENICE – Increased property values will give the city of Venice a projected $3.4 million more in anticipated property tax revenues next year as the City Council enters a two-day budget workshop session ,set to start at 8:30 a.m., Thursday and Friday in council chambers at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
The projected 2023-24 city budget is $163.8 million.
The city currently employs about 382 people and no new hires are being requested.
About $27.2 million of a proposed $45.6 million general fund budget will come from property taxes, as Venice plans to maintain a 4.3600 mill property tax rate, though homeowners could see higher taxes because of the value increase.
A mill generates $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.
More:Venice adds three Teslas to city fleet, including one police car
Here’s what you need to know about the proposed budget:
Property values increase 14.1%
Venice's Finance Department projects that the property tax rate will result in $27.2 million in property taxes – a 14.1% increase over the current year.
Of that, $872,000, or 26%, is a result of new construction, while $2.5 million is from increased property values.
At that rate property taxes will account for 55.6% of all general fund revenues and $3.2 million would be added to the city’s reserves.
The proposed $46.5 million general fund budget represents a 12.6% increase from the adopted $40.5 million general fund budget for this year.
About $12.9 million of those expenditures will go to the police department and $1.6 million to the fire department and $4.7 million to emergency medical servies.
Venice fee changes proposed
The Venice Municipal Airport, water and sewer, solid waste and stormwater drainage services are funded out by user fees and grants.
The proposed budget for the Venice Municipal Airport is $4.5 million.
The proposed utilities fund budget totals $51.4 million, of which $19.1 million is operational. While that represents a 13.3% increase over this year, water, sewer and reclaimed water rates are scheduled for a 3% increase – with a future rate study planned.
The overall fees for solid waste collection aren’t scheduled for an increase, but the recycling surcharge – which was lowered from 14% to 2% effective Oct. 1, 2022 will rise back to 15% effective July 1, 2023.
In the stormwater fund, rates are expected to increase from $7 to $7.29 per “Equivalent Stormwater Factor” per month, while water quality rates will increase from $1.48 to $1.98 per “Equivalent Water Quality Factor” per month.
Capital Improvement Program
The city’s proposed Capital Improvement Program calls for $61.9 million in expenditures for the 2023-24 fiscal year and $185.3 million over a five-year period, including 13% in debt financing.
Of those projects, the city plans to spend $13.5 million to relocate Fire Station No. 52 to a parcel next door to the Venice Police Department and $2.4 million towards a new fleet maintenance facility.
More than half of the capital projects – a projected $99.3 million – are utilities projects, of which $24.9 million will require debt financing. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/venice-proposes-163-8-million-budget-property-tax-rate-unchanged/70335861007/ | 2023-06-21T08:33:30 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/06/21/venice-proposes-163-8-million-budget-property-tax-rate-unchanged/70335861007/ |
Ringtail Ranch is Lubbock's unofficial zoo, official lemur rescue; here's how to visit
Whether you grew up watching “Zoboomafoo” or DreamWorks' “Madagascar," you are likely somewhat familiar with lemurs. Did you know there are 36 of them just outside of Lubbock?
While Lubbock does not have a zoo, it does have Ringtail Ranch, an animal rescue people can visit. There are three different types of lemurs, two red kangaroos, two bearded dragons, two miniature horses, two rabbits and a macaw.
Out of those animals, 31 ring-tailed lemurs are rescues from across the U.S. Many of them came from people who wanted a new pet, but very few of those owners were prepared to raise one.
It started with wildcats in Montana, then lemurs in Texas
Jeanna Treider, a lifelong animal advocate with a background in veterinary medicine, knew she wanted to operate an animal rescue since she was 4 years old. Her rescue efforts began in Montana, moved to Nevada and eventually settled in Texas. Initially, she rescued bobcats and lynx.
"After we lost our Siberian Lynx, we didn't have any pets in the house," Treider said. "So we made a trip to the pet store, and saw a lemur in a cage, fell in love, and brought him home. He was an intelligent being, this guy didn't belong in a cage. We had no idea what was in store."
Their first lemur, a ringtail named Chach, started to change when he reached maturity. She began researching lemurs and learned they are as smart as the average 3-year-old child, can live up to 40 years, and typically live in troops of more than 10 members. This led her to adopt three more lemurs - a mother, a father and a baby.
"The guy did say the male was aggressive, and I thought, 'well, how aggressive can a five pound lemur be?'" Treider said.
Her answer came in the form of 64 stitches, an infection, and two days in the hospital.
"They don't make good pets," she said. "They're taken from their mom days or weeks old, and when that happens, you're 99.999% going to have an aggressive lemur. You can go and get a lemur without a permit, without education, and that's not good."
The experience spurred her on to create a haven for the lemurs. As she researched, she heard experiences from other lemur owners. Those owners eventually asked her to provide a home for their former pets.
"By the time I got to 10, I realized this is a serious problem, and we needed to do something," she said.
That something was to purchase a junkyard just outside the city limits, clean it up, and create Ringtail Ranch. Rescued lemurs now have plenty of space to live out their lives, and several animals are ambassadors for their species.
The ambassadors include Komet, a Tri-Colored Ruffed Lemur; Marley, a Brown Lemur; Pongo the Red Kangaroo; and Penelope, the miniature horse.
"This is the closest thing to a zoo Lubbock has," Treider said. "We're here, and people can learn about the animals. Education is key, and teaches respect and responsibility. It's important that Lubbock embraces this."
The space officially opened in January, hosts weekly events, visits farmers' markets, and is open for tours by reservation. Ringtail Ranch is a 501c3 nonprofit and USDA approved. People can make a reservation for $15 per person by calling or texting 806-781-1076, or emailing ringtailranchtx@gmail.com.
What goes into operating a lemur rescue? Grapes, Disney movies and heart.
Long hours went into preparing the space, and even now that the ranch is open, Treider spends most of her time caring for the animals.
"It is 24/7, it's a lifestyle," Treider said as fed Komet a grape, his favorite treat. "I work 15 hours a day, sometimes more, but I love them. I absolutely love this, it's my sanctuary, and now I get to share it with people."
Along with daily operations, there are the moments when she has to take in a rescue. Two cases she recalled were regarding Layla Grace, 1, and Max, 16, ring-tailed lemurs from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Max was one of the worst cases she had ever seen.
"He was almost dead, he was starved, lived in a little crate, had no muscle," Treider said. "The vet said we need to let him go. The circumstances that some of these guys have gone through are unimaginable."
Layla Grace was purchased as a pet for a woman's three-year-old daughter. The young ring-tailed lemur weighed less than a newborn lemur, though she was four months old at the time of rescuing.
Not only have both recovered, but they are thriving under the care of Ringtail Ranch. All animals at the ranch have climate-controlled rooms, their favorite snacks (lemurs love grapes), toys, and enjoy Disney movies as part of their enrichment.
"They seem to like Rio, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., and Beauty and the Beast, the most" Treider said.
Treider hopes to continue expanding the sanctuary by adding a pond and larger enclosures. Future animals could include zebra-donkey hybrids and capybaras.
How can you help Lubbock's Ringtail Ranch?
USDA licensed Ringtail Ranch last year and they received a grant that allowed them to build climate-controlled enclosures. What initially would have been lemur enclosures became the education room, where people can attend their Zoo Crew weekends or book for events like school visits.
Each of the animals have a stuffed toy version of themselves, which people can purchase online at ringtailranch.com, or in-person. Donations to the non-profit can be made through the website, which also lists an Amazon Wishlist for needed items for the animals. All funds go toward the care of Ringtail Ranch's residents.
"We really need support," Treider said. "We're here, and we love to share information about the animals. Help our community by getting the zoo going, and help us continue our mission."
People can keep up with the rescue at ringtailranch.com, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/lubbocks-ringtail-ranch-offers-sanctuary-education-on-lemurs-kangaroos-more-zoo/70273807007/ | 2023-06-21T09:13:17 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/lubbocks-ringtail-ranch-offers-sanctuary-education-on-lemurs-kangaroos-more-zoo/70273807007/ |
DES MOINES, Iowa — Editor's note: The following video is from May 2023.
The Iowa State Fair is only 50 days away.
It's less than two months out to cookies, cows and corn dogs.
Organizers say they're bringing in some exciting new rides, for you and your family.
Those rides include a double ferris wheel, electric Mega Bounce, Super Shot Drop Tower, Spinning Eclipse and fast-paced Musik Express.
When it comes to admission, there is a $5 discount on advance admission. Organizers say it's the lowest admission price available, and must be bought before opening day.
Tickets for the State Fair, which runs from August 10-20, are available here. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/50-days-away-until-the-2023-iowa-state-fair-des-moines-iowa/524-c077f597-d393-406f-bad4-0043f4029e09 | 2023-06-21T09:25:27 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/state-fair/50-days-away-until-the-2023-iowa-state-fair-des-moines-iowa/524-c077f597-d393-406f-bad4-0043f4029e09 |
Unfinished Daytona Beach condo project could get second condemnation and demolition order
DAYTONA BEACH — An unfinished oceanfront condominium tower that's been in the works for nearly a decade could be slapped with its second condemnation and demolition order next month.
Despite repeated attempts by city officials over the past few years to get the stalled-out Protogroup company project in motion, it remains idled with only a cluster of concrete columns poking out of the sandy site at the eastern tip of Oakridge Boulevard.
City Chief Building Official Glen Urquhart passes the small fenced-in condo property at 500 N. Atlantic Ave. on his way to and from work, and he said "They really haven't been doing anything."
"It's just kind of sitting there," Urquhart said. "If it stays like that over the next month, it'll get reposted for demolition."
With rusted rebar sticking out of the columns for about three years now, Urquhart has been waiting for the Palm Coast-based company to submit plans from a structural engineer showing exactly how the concrete columns can be fortified to support the planned 31 stories above them.
Urquhart said the developer talked about starting construction on the first eight or nine floors, which will all be used for a parking garage. But he hasn't seen any plans or movement toward doing that anytime soon.
Urquhart said there's been no progress reported to him since the city pulled the project's work permit in April because so little work had taken place. The site permit for the 500 Atlantic Condominium project expired June 2.
Condo buyers might have to wait until 2027 to move in
While construction of the $100 million condo tower is on hold, Protogroup is working behind the scenes to get the project back on track, according to an email that went out to the dozens of people who have put down deposits for condo units.
The June 5 email from local Realtor Amy Beals said the possibility of another developer building the 500 Atlantic Condominium tower was being explored, and she expected to know more by the end of this month. On June 16 another local Realtor selling units in the planned condo tower, Sheriff Guindi, said Protogroup will continue to be the developer.
Beals also wrote in her email that Alexey Lysich, the registered agent for the property owner, has been "pursing construction loan packages from more than one source."
Lysich and some of his family members run Protogroup, which has been operating under the name PDA Trading Inc. on the condo project. Lysich could not be reached for comment.
Beals, who like Guindi is with Ormond Beach-based Realty Pros Assured, also wrote that it could be up to four more years before people would be closing on their condo sales and moving in.
Buyers who've made deposits had been told the building completion date is December 2024, but Beals wrote in the email that "the contract extension has a new delivery date of 12/31/2026."
"The extension also provides for an additional grace period of six months in the event the building is substantially completed and remaining interior finishes are almost finished," she wrote. "All closings will occur within the six month grace period if not sooner."
The condo tower was originally slated for completion in 2020, but the city has agreed to several extensions.
If a new developer takes over, Beals wrote that "there will be significant price increases for currently unsold units." She said the closing attorney and escrow agent advised that all current contracts and prices would be honored, however.
She noted that some buyers are exercising their option to cancel their contracts, but gave no indication the condo tower project is dying or dead.
"We remain committed to this project," Beals said in the email.
Guindi also said "the developer is still committed to building 500 Atlantic and we are still excited about the marketing."
'It seemed like the perfect opportunity'
"The majority of our contract holders have remained committed to the 500 Atlantic project," Guindi said.
A Flagler County man with a 10% deposit on a unit said he knows of 10 people who've asked for their money back and no longer want to buy one of the Protogroup condos.
Bob Ziolkowski, a retired Navy veteran who lives in a condo north of Palm Coast, signed a contract for a Protogroup condominium in March last year.
"All of the condos up here are older, so it was exciting to see a brand new place to live," the 59-year-old said. "We'll be on the 30th floor so we can be above the (next-door) hotel."
He and his wife chose a 1,724-square-foot unit on the south side of the building with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. They were enticed by all the amenities, a chance to live on the beach and two parking spots in the garage.
"It seemed like the perfect opportunity," Ziolkowski said.
He's still under contract and hasn't asked for his money back, but he and his wife are mulling whether they want to wait out the construction postponements.
"They just keep delaying it," Ziolkowski said. "It could be another four years. We may not want to wait that long. We're not getting any younger."
He and his wife also aren't happy about their $90,000 deposit sitting in a non-interest-bearing account. Their unit is priced at $905,000.
The 500 Atlantic website homepage says there has been more than $60 million in sales on the condos, but it's not clear if that's a current number. Ziolkowski thought it was more like $75 million in escrow from a total of 80 condo units sold, but his figures may be outdated with some people backing out of contracts.
It appears that the people who had contracts on the two penthouses asked for their deposits back and walked away since those top-floor condos are back on the market – with price increases.
The prior price for the 4,680-square-foot west penthouse that is planned to have three bedrooms and four bathrooms was $2.8 million, and now it's $4 million, Ziolkowski said. The prior price for the 8,172-square-foot east penthouse that is planned to have four bedrooms and five bathrooms was $5.5 million, and now it's $7.75 million, he said.
Protogroup's history on Daytona Beach
The Protogroup condo building was promised to be the tallest structure ever built in Volusia County.
The unfinished condo tower is part of a $192 million twin-tower hotel-condominium project on a 4.6-acre site that launched about 10 years ago.
Excavation work began in March 2017, with an initial projected completion date of summer 2019 for the 28-story hotel south tower. The 455-room Daytona Grande hotel had its construction deadlines extended several times, and it finally opened in June last year.
Work on the north tower's foundation began in December 2018, and it now has piles driven 100 feet down into the sandy oceanfront property.
"This developer has spent $125 million on our beach to date," Guindi said. "He has built the most beautiful hotel and is trying to do so as far as 500 Atlantic condominium is concerned."
The 500 Atlantic website show pictures of flawless-looking condos with glass walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It promises "lavish amenities" and services from the adjacent four-star Daytona Grande Hotel such as "gourmet room service, housekeeping, valet parking and a full complement of concierge services uniquely available to you and your guests."
The website also mentions two resort-style pools, a fitness center and a lounge.
But multiple problems and long stretches of stagnation have hobbled the project. Two construction companies have come and gone, and there have been legal fights with past contractors.
The city has pulled work permits a few times because of lack of progress and missed deadlines. And at the beginning of September last year, the city hit the project with its first condemnation and demolition order.
Urquhart wrote in his three-page condemnation order last fall that portions of the unfinished structure were dangerous and "likely to partially or completely collapse, or to become detached or dislodged" due to faulty construction, neglect, abandonment, exposure to the elements, damage and decay.
Protogroup was ordered to secure and repair the concrete structure "to a safe condition" within three days, or demolish it and clear the site by Sept. 21. The company quickly complied and made improvements on the property.
Daytona Beach's troubled condo project:Protogroup buys some time with cleanup of condo site
Protogroup project shut down in April:Daytona Beach 31-story condo project stalled indefinitely, building permit pulled
If the company ever defies condemnation orders coming from City Hall, the city could level part or all of what's been built so far, impose penalties and attach a lien on the property for all demolition and debris removal costs.
Urquhart said people who have made deposits on condos have called the city looking for answers.
"People have been waiting for years," Urquhart said. "I'd love to see something there. Either do something with it, or we'll take it down."
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/21/daytona-beach-protogroup-condo-project-still-trying-to-line-up-buyers-and-secure-construction-loan/70328592007/ | 2023-06-21T09:30:53 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2023/06/21/daytona-beach-protogroup-condo-project-still-trying-to-line-up-buyers-and-secure-construction-loan/70328592007/ |
Hattiesburg continues World Pride Month events. Everyone is welcome
As World Pride Month begins to wind down, there are a few events in Hattiesburg to celebrate or learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community.
If you're interested in how you can become a better ally in support of the LGBTQIA+ community or any other community that is not your own, join The Spectrum Center and Pine Belt Pride for an in-depth workshop on how to be an active ally. The workshop will go beyond the basics to give participants a broader range of tools for allyship.
The event will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Spectrum Center, 210 South 25th Ave.
On Saturday, the Hattiesdrag Haus Ball returns for its second year. Dress up in your best drag, regardless of your gender identity, and be prepared to show off your best skills.
A panel of judges will be on hand to choose the best in a number of categories, with prizes for the top winners.
Categories include:
- Face: Whether Femme or Masc, show off your fiercest look.
- Classic Vogue: You already know. It’s not a haus ball without a good Vogue-off. Do you have the skills to take home a prize?
- Mississippi Monarch Realness: You don’t need to identify a gender to show you’re royalty. Step onto the stage and show us you are ready to make a royal decree before heading off to float the river.
Sign up to participate when you arrive at the event. The Haus Ball will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday at MPV, 5729 U.S. 49.
The month of activities will wrap up with a longstanding event at a new location. The Pride Community Cookout will offer the Hattiesburg community an opportunity to gather for food and fun and get to know their neighbors of all genders.
Health care organizations will be on hand to provide free health screenings and other resources. Community members are invited to participate in the 2023 Pride Art Project, which is adding to the local Pride Quilt.
The cookout will begin at 11 am. at Chain Park, 5619 Mississippi 42.
For more information, call The Spectrum Center at 601-909-5338 or email info@tschburg.org.
Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/hattiesburg-mississippi-celebrates-world-pride-month/70338417007/ | 2023-06-21T09:33:28 | 0 | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2023/06/20/hattiesburg-mississippi-celebrates-world-pride-month/70338417007/ |
Times are changing, as more states legalize the recreational use of weed, it’s likely going to become harder for college athletics to continue to enforce approaches that have been used in the past. The National Collegiate Athletics Association thinks it's time to remove marijuana from their …
ATLANTIC CITY — As the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved more cannabis businesses for Atlantic City, and with more likely on the way, members at the Tuesday meeting of the Board of Directors asked when enough will be enough.
The board gave unanimous approval to five planned cannabis businesses in the city, in its role as the planning authority within the city’s Tourism District. That area overlaps with the city’s Green Zone redevelopment area, where cannabis businesses are an approved use.
So far, the CRDA has approved 16 or 17 weed businesses, Planning and Development Director Lance Landgraf told the board in response to a question from members.
Both City Council and the CRDA have a role in supporting cannabis businesses, but Atlantic City does not have the final word. That rests with New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission, which approves licenses for the cultivation and sale of weed and cannabis-infused products in New Jersey’s recently legal market.
Board member Mike Beson questioned the number of cannabis businesses that have already come for approval. He mentioned that the CRDA’s role should be to improve the quality of life for residents.
“At some point, is it too much?” he said.
While some towns have allowed one or two licenses, and most beach communities have said no to cannabis businesses altogether, Atlantic City has not set a cap on the number of cannabis businesses in the community, instead relying on the market to decide how many there should be.
Later in the meeting, board member Brett Matik raised a similar concern, saying that for several meetings, cannabis businesses have been most of the proposals for new businesses that the board has seen.
New York's fledgling marijuana market doesn't have enough licensed retailers to sell the 300,000 pounds (136,000 kilograms) of cannabis grown by farmers in the state. Farmers can only legally sell their product in a dozen licensed dispensaries statewide, and they're feeling a financial pinch as another growing season gets underway. Pot businesses in the West have struggled with black market competition and high taxes, but in New York, the farmers’ plight is part of the bumpy launch of New York’s recreational pot market. State leaders had always planned to gear up the market in stages, but dispensaries have debuted at a slower pace than expected.
“If there is no cap, then I think we need to be stricter with the variances,” Matik said.
In many cases, the businesses require variances, including for setbacks, height or parking. But as Landgraf said at the meeting, in most cases that is because they are planned for existing properties. They are often vacant buildings which are being repurposed for cannabis businesses.
Attending the CRDA meeting, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said not every proposal for a new business makes it all the way through to an opening. In some cases, financing, licensing or other issues can lead to a business withdrawing its application.
“The city has taken a position to support as many companies as possible,” he said.
City officials have cited the potential for jobs and investment within the city, and the number of applications coming before the CRDA appears to be a sign that cannabis is drawing new investment to formerly vacant properties.
Not all of the planning proposals heard Tuesday related to cannabis. The board said yes to eight single-family units in an attached building at 10 S. New Hampshire Ave., as well as a two-story restaurant with a mezzanine and room for 157 guests at 2322-2324 Arctic Ave. and the conversion of four apartments into two in that building.
But weed businesses were a significant portion of the discussion.
One, Starboard Industries, has already been approved for a large-scale cannabis growing facility on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Neighbors say work there is underway.
A legal loophole that has allowed an intoxicating product derived from hemp to be sold over …
But construction has taken longer than expected, according to the CRDA discussion Tuesday, so the business plans a new location in an already existing building at 1810 Baltic Ave.
At one point, the CRDA wanted that building for itself. It is a warehouse and electrical supply company near Tanger Outlets The Walk. As approved, the new plan would include cannabis cultivation and sales, as well as office space and the potential for other businesses upstairs.
The city amended its Green Zone redevelopment to include the property this year.
Also approved Tuesday were Atlantic License Development LLC for a cannabis retail spot and consumption lounge at 901 Atlantic Ave.; Sweet Leaves LLC, also for a retail cannabis dispensary and consumption area for 19-21 Tennessee Ave.; and Tree Breeze LLC for a site plan for a recreational cannabis dispensary at 27 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. with two apartments on the second floor.
The board also unanimously approved plans for an adult-use cannabis location at 12 Park Place for Design 710 LLC. That location is already open for sales of medical marijuana, and the owners say they plan to expand into the recreational market sometime this summer.
That’s close to the planned High Rollers Dispensary, a large dispensary and consumption lounge in the works for the former casino floor in The Claridge hotel.
It’s been a little over a year since the first licensed sales of cannabis began in New Jersey, under a package of laws approved after voters strongly said yes to legalization in a 2020 referendum. Investors expect to see millions of dollars in flowing into Atlantic City construction in the short term, hoping that a sizable percentage of the 28 million annual visitors who come to the city for the beaches, nightlife, dining and casinos will add cannabis to their list of indulgences during their visit.
GALLERY: Third annual 420 Festival in Atlantic City
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Mike Trout, 31, a 2009 Millville High School graduate, is a center fielder with the Los Angeles Angels and was the 2014, 2016 and 2019 American League MVP.
Monday: An off day for the Angels.
Tuesday: Went 0 for 4 in a 2-0 loss to the visiting Dodgers. He batted third and played center field.
Wednesday: The Dodgers had not announced their starter for the 9:38 p.m. game.
Stats: Trout is hitting .253 (67 for 265) with 15 home runs, 39 RBIs and 46 runs scored in 70 games. He has walked 39 times and struck out 85 times. His on-base percentage is .359, his OPS .831. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-kershaw-dodgers-shut-out-angels/article_aadf3b16-0fe3-11ee-ac76-9b92f7d4bbf5.html | 2023-06-21T09:52:14 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/daily-mike-trout-report-kershaw-dodgers-shut-out-angels/article_aadf3b16-0fe3-11ee-ac76-9b92f7d4bbf5.html |
WATERLOO — Despite worries from some residents and one councilmember, a revitalization program for housing was passed unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday.
The council renewed the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area program, which covers Waterloo outside of the most populated areas of the city. Qualified real estate within the area is eligible to receive a total or partial exemption from property taxes for a specified number of years.
The previous CLURA was only available for new construction of single- or two-family homes and provided one tax abatement schedule: 100% for three years.
Qualified real estate will now include children’s day care facilities and new construction of multi-family homes.
Resident David Dryer expressed concern about the addition of multi-family housing, saying he “won’t be here” when the city recoups the money through property taxes.
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“The thing that disturbs me about the modus operandi of Waterloo is we keep giving a lot of money to a lot of people, and now we’re going to include multi-family dwellings,” he said.
Another resident, Forest Dillavou, also expressed concerned about Waterloo raising taxes because of the implementation of tax breaks. He questioned the number of out-of-state landlords connected to some developments the city has approved.
“You say you don’t like absentee landlords,” he said, noting that a local real estate business celebrated a 90-year anniversary Tuesday with no recognition from the city. “We need to take care of the people we have here before we start spreading money elsewhere.”
A second tax exemption schedule also was implemented, which provides 10 years of a partial exemption – from 80% to 20%, decreasing each year.
Councilmember Dave Boesen, although apprehensive about including multi-family dwellings in the CLURA since some projects might qualify for tax breaks under both the CLURA and the infill incentive program, voted for the ordinance due to the new sliding tax scale.
“I don’t want to hold this up, and I’ll support this on our ability to get some tax revenue … and help homeowners so they don’t have sticker shock after three years,” Boesen said.
Mayor Quentin Hart tied the new CLURA additions to the city’s vision plan for 2030, saying the city needs quality housing in every part of the community.
“Right now our strategic goal for the 2030 vision plan focuses on elevating housing,” Hart said. “It’s a critical point in our city’s history to compete to attract, and hopefully one day we may not need to have these incentives, but right now we need all hands on deck.”
Ward 4 Councilmember Belinda Creighton-Smith echoed Hart’s statement about providing housing to the entire community.
“This provides opportunities for other individuals in the community who oftentimes are disproportionately affected,” she said. “This provides them the opportunity to own a home and to have some equity and acquire some wealth.”
Ward 2 Councilmember Jonathan Grieder applauded the inclusion of children’s day care centers in the program.
In other business, a development agreement for a truck wash passed 5-2, with Boesen and Creighton-Smith voting against it. Freedom Truck and Trailer Wash LLC and Deer Creek Development will construct a 4,600-square-foot automated truck and trailer wash at the southeast corner of Greyhound Drive and Cyclone Drive with a minimum assessed value of $2.2 million.
The agreement states the developers will get a tax rebate of 85% for years one and two; 80% for years three through seven; 75% for years eight through 10; and 50% for years 11 and 12.
Boesen was uneasy that the development agreement was for a lease and not to purchase the land.
“It’s a disturbing amount shy of $600,000 and tax rebates over 12 years,” he said. “I’m concerned that we’re financing leased developments on these properties and giving tax rates.”
The city clerk also read bids for the city’s fiber-to-the-premises feeder and backbone network project. There were four bidders.
- Quanta Telcom Solutions of Loganville, Georgia had a base bid of $42.9 million. Its most expensive alternate bid would cost $81.7 million.
- MP of Maple Lake, Minnesota had a base bid of $55.4 million. Its most expensive alternate bid would cost $104.9 million.
- Michels Power of Neenah, Wisconsin had a base bid of $56.1 million. Its most expensive alternate bid would cost $106.9 million.
- ITG Communications LLC, of Tullahoma, Tennessee had a base bid of $37.7 million. Its most expensive alternate bid would cost $77.9 million.
Newly listed homes for sale in the Waterloo and Cedar Falls area
5 Bedroom Home in La Porte City - $249,000
YOU'LL LOVE THE VERY NATURE OF IT! 2-story home, 4-5 bedroom with over 3.5 acres! Nice floor plan, formal dining area, newer kitchen cupboards, main floor laundry, bedroom/den on main level, enclosed front porch and fenced around the home. The views are amazing and are you ready.....Detached 1440 sq. ft. garage/out building with 1/2 bath. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
4 Bedroom Home in Cedar Falls - $399,900
Updated acreage sitting on 4.82 acres with 5+ bedrooms and 1-1/2 bathrooms. The beautifully updated kitchen features granite counter tops, an island with seating, flows to the 4-season sitting area and has a pass through to the formal dining room and pocket doors to the living room. The living room has a corner fireplace and corner door with pocket doors to the parlor. Currently used as a HOFC. Another room with access to a 1/2 bath and the patio is currently used as a 2nd HOFC, but could be used as a MF bedroom. The upper level features 4 bedrooms and a large TV room with servant stairs back to the kitchen. Updated windows, updated kitchen, updated geothermal heat, updated electrical, updated shingles, painted siding, added fireplace in living room, refinished wood floors. The home has an attached large 2-stall garage. Outbuildings include a pole building with gravel floor and lean-to and a small shed with a wood floor.
4 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $325,000
This 5.02 acres offers 2 separate homes, 3 separate garages and several outbuildings. 5437 has 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a formal dining room and a breakfast nook off the kitchen. The full basement has 400 sq. ft. finished for additional living space. One bedroom is on the main level and 3 are up. 5507 is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath.
2 Bedroom Home in Cedar Falls - $85,000
This sweet home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and is conveniently located near restaurants, Hansen's Dairy, and the bike trail. Lincoln Elementary and Holmes Junior in Cedar Falls for schools. One stall garage and a great fenced in backyard with plenty of room for a garden. It would be wonderful for first time buyers or rental opportunity! Don't miss it! Being sold as is.
3 Bedroom Home in Cedar Falls - $349,900
Major "makeover" with new driveway, garage shop floor, new overhead door and opener, 2 new exterior doors. Home has new kitchen and stainless-steel GE appliances, 2 new bathrooms, windows, interior solid panel doors and trim package, new vinyl plank flooring, carpet in the bedrooms, window coverings, closet shelving, electric fireplace in living room, new sliding doors to wood deck, and 2 new exterior doors. Lower level is all new drywall, new windows, interior doors and trim, new bathroom, 2nd laundry hookups (1 each level), woodburning fireplace, new egress window for bedroom. Large family room could be a 4th conforming bedroom with a 2nd exit. Lower level could also have a wet bar/mini kitchen for a "live-in" parent.
4 Bedroom Home in Evansdale - $234,500
~~OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 6/18/23 FROM 1:00-2:30.~~ Move in and enjoy this coming summer! You will find a home that has a great layout with an open Livingroom concept into the dinging room and kitchen and then leads out to a freshly coated deck to the amazing yard! TONS of natural daylight coming in and a nice Island in the kitchen for great entertaining space! Then you have 3 bedrooms all on one end of the main floor and a bathroom on the main level as well. You will see a large family room down in the basement along with a 4th bedroom and the 2nd bathroom!! Lots of storage down there too! This home has plenty of room for your family to grow and is in a great location!! This is a dead-end street with minimal traffic and is close to downtown, the highway, and schools and parks! Get your showing setup to see why this home is SO Great!
4 Bedroom Home in Cedar Falls - $409,900
Welcome to this exceptional ranch home nestled in a desirable neighborhood! This stunning property, just 3 years young, offers the perfect combination of modern style and comfort. With 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, this spacious home provides ample space for you and your loved ones. Step inside and be greeted by a thoughtfully designed floor plan that maximizes both functionality and livability. The open layout seamlessly connects the main living areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The heart of the home is the well-appointed kitchen, featuring sleek countertops, modern appliances, and plenty of storage space. It's a chef's delight and the perfect spot to prepare delicious meals and create lasting memories with family and friends.The bedrooms are generously sized, providing everyone their own personal retreat. The bathrooms are tastefully designed and offer convenience and comfort for your daily routines. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a 3-year-old ranch home in a fantastic neighborhood. It's the ideal place to create lasting memories and call home. Schedule a showing today before it's gone!
2 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $149,000
Charming 1 1/2 story home in Kingsley Elementary School district. The oversized two stall garage features ten foot sidewalls, plenty of room for two cars, work bench, hobbies, and TONS of storage space along with a two car gravel parking pad off the alley. You have to see this garage!! The enclosed front porch is heated and cooled with a wall of windows on two sides it would make a nice sunny home office, craft/hobby room, just a comfy spot to relax and watch the neighborhood go by! The living room has large windows to let in natural light and a corner nook perfect for desk or conversation area. An arched doorway leads to the formal dining room which has a closet for tucking away all your internet and stereo equipment as well as table linens, a built-in corner china cabinet, and built in display shelving. Off the side of the kitchen is a full bath with jetted tub/shower combo. When you enter from the back door there is handy nice sized drop zone with shoe cubbies, coat, and bag hooks. Upstairs you will find two bedrooms and another full bath with tub/shower combo. Both bedrooms have nice size closets, and tucked in the bathroom and on the landing are extra storage spaces. In the large fully fenced back yard there is a large concrete patio with plenty of room for entertaining, al fresco dining, and cooking out. Ample space for backyard games, and a space in the side yard for your afternoon nap hammock. Close to Byrnes Park and Pool. Not far to Irv Warren Golf Course. It's only a seven minute drive to HWY 20 and a two minute drive to HWY 63.
5 Bedroom Home in Waterloo - $169,900
Updates throughout! This move in ready two story home located in Waterloo features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, tons of natural light, and beautiful finishes. Boasting two newly updated bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, and white woodwork, this is one you'll want to see. Stepping inside, you're greeted by the spacious living room with a fireplace that opens up to the fantastic dining room. The living room also opens up to a great sunroom. The dining room is conveniently located off the kitchen and features a beautiful coffered ceiling and built ins. The kitchen offers fresh new cabinetry, flooring, and appliances. The main floor also includes a suite with a private bathroom. Moving upstairs, you'll find four great sized bedrooms along with a full bathroom and laundry area. The upper level also includes a deck with spiral stairs leading to the main level deck. The lower level includes an additional living area and storage space. Exterior amenities include a detached two stall garage and a fantastic front porch. Don't let this one pass you by! Schedule a showing today! | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-and-politics/waterloo-council-tax-exemption-fiber-optic-bids/article_95aaa6ae-0ed0-11ee-8e2d-536fa31da9c2.html | 2023-06-21T09:52:35 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/government-and-politics/waterloo-council-tax-exemption-fiber-optic-bids/article_95aaa6ae-0ed0-11ee-8e2d-536fa31da9c2.html |
TUPELO — Three-term Republican Rep. Chris Brown is far outpacing his GOP opponent, Tanner Newman, in their race to become the next public service commissioner for the northern district, according to mandatory campaign finance reports filed late last week.
Most of that funding — more than half-a-million dollars — comes from Brown’s own coffers. Brown has three filings in which he raised money $816,046 in contributions within his Chris Brown for Mississippi filing. Brown spent about $198,122 in spending, $129,963 of which went to J. Russell and Associates, a Georgia-based event planning and public relations company.
Meanwhile, Newman reported $103,131 in contributions and $65,704 in spending. Of the total cash balance, Newman raised $33,306 between May 1 and May 31. Newman reported $25,500 of his own money went into the campaign during his May 10 report.
Though Brown has a significant lead in funds, most of his contributions come from the already significant war chest he built over the last three terms in the Legislature. Of the $816,046 he reported, $681,000 came from Brown or his campaign accounts. Another $200,000 from his now-closed campaign accounts went to repay an unnamed loan.
“As a businessman, I’ve been blessed,” Brown said. “The amount I put in shows how much I care about the future of power, clean water and the future of the state. Overall, I’m committed to spending the resources to win.”
While most of Brown’s funds are a mix of funds raised during prior campaigns or pulled from his own wallet, he received some contributions through individuals. These include $100,000 from Fred Brown, Chris Brown’s father, and about $1,200 from his account manager, Kim Hobson. He also received $1,000 from Columbus-based accountant firm Davidson and Company PLLC and $500 from Memphis-based company Oseman Insurance Agency.
Newman, on the other hand, is leaning heavily on connections built while working as the director of development services for the city of Tupelo. Many of his donations come from individuals and companies deeply connected to city businesses. Among them are Saltillo-based engineering firm Dabbs Corporation, Tupelo-based real estate and development company Justin Warren and Associates, Tupelo-based construction company M&N construction, Tupelo-based real estate company Tommy Morgan Inc. and Tupelo Lumber.
“I am grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received,” Newman told the Daily Journal. “We have built a successful coalition of working-class Mississippians who are fed up with the political talking heads and the rhetoric they spew.”
Newman also snagged contributions from a handful of out-of-state companies with connections to the region, including Houston-based EDP Renewables North America and Little Rock, Arkansas-based Southern Renewable Energy Association.
When asked about the gap in funds, Newman said while his fundraising battle may be uphill, he doesn’t believe it’s insurmountable.
“This race is not about me; it is about the future of Northeast Mississippi,” he said. “The funds we’ve raised have been small contributions, from $25 to $5000,” he said. “Each and every one of those contributions means the world to me because that is someone that believes in my message of unity and working together for the betterment of our community. … I would much rather have $10 from an individual invested into my campaign than $100 I put in it myself.”
Friends to Elect Chad McMahan also donated $500 to Newman’s race. McMahan is currently seeking re-election to the state Senate’s sixth district. McMahan himself raised $108,998 for his race against Lauren Smith and has spent $94,794 on campaign expenses.
Race to be Decided in Primary, candidates layout issues
Without a Democratic candidate running for northern district public service commissioner, the Aug. 8 primary battle between Brown and Newman will determine the race.
Both candidates say they believe the race is extremely important for both North Mississippi and the state as a whole.
The commission comprises three commissioners, central, southern and northern districts. A consensus of two commissions is all it takes to drive policy throughout the state.
Brown said it was important to foster unification among the three; Newman said this will be the first time in the history of the seat a Republican is poised to hold the office and that the “stakes are high.”
“You would hope three people would be unified,” Brown said. “I feel like we could build that consensus.”
Brown said his biggest concerns for reliable and affordable power, broadband internet expansion and clean water access throughout the district.
“(Lowering utility rates) is good to keep Mississippi competitive,” he said of utility rates. “Every dollar we save goes back into the pockets of citizens to spend on other things.”
Newman also argues the importance of clean water access, broadband expansion and reliable power. He said one thing he hopes to accomplish, if elected, is to push for a partnership between power cooperatives that currently can run fiber optic internet throughout counties and municipality-owned utility companies to provide the same service within cities. He also said he wants to push for utility regulation reform.
“The Public Service Commission is there to protect the citizens,” Newman said. “We are operating under outdated laws … I am calling for a reform of the entire system.”
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Talks between umps and Taunton Little League fall apart as tensions mount. What we know
TAUNTON — After a heated incident during a game, reconciliation between The Greater Taunton Amateur Baseball Umpire Association and Taunton West Little League is at a halt.
Umpires from the Association have stopped officiating at Taunton West Little League (TWLL) games until further notice, said Dominic Damiano, President of the The Greater Taunton Amateur Baseball Umpire Association (GTABUA).
“Things have to be changed over there. It’s unsafe for my guys right now,” said Damiano.
The post-season for Taunton West Little League concluded last week, said Rick Smith, vice president of TWLL. After that, TWLL has its all-star tournament, the Silver City Slugfest, which is happening in intermittent weeks in late June, mid-July and late-July.
What happened and who is umping now?
Back on June 5, during a quarterfinal game for Taunton West Little League, a controversial call that decided the win led to verbal abuse, physical intimidation and threats of violence from spectators, coaches and even some of the players towards the umpires, Damiano said. Some of these aggressors also followed the umpires to their cars when they were trying to leave.
Since the incident, Smith said TWLL is getting umpires from multiple leagues all over the region to finish up the season.
“The kids shouldn’t have to suffer from all this,” he said.
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Attempt at reconciliation falls apart
On June 9, a meeting took place between the umpires association and TWLL, with Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and City Councilor Christopher Coute mediating.
Coute said he got involved because two of his children play in Taunton West Little League, and he is also a coach for the league.
“It was deplorable what the parents did, but it could have been handled amongst the organizations without getting the media involved,” Coute said.
According to Damiano, the umpires association held an emergency meeting on June 9, after the attempted mediation, and passed a motion to cancel all involvement with the TWLL for the 2023 season.
“The overwhelming sentiment was that Taunton West is no longer a safe environment for GTABUA umpires,” said Damiano in a June 10 post on Facebook.
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What does Taunton West Little League say?
Taunton West Little League President Tyler Doehler said what transpired on June 5 was "an isolated incident" and many concessions were made to the Umpires Association during mediation to get them back to officiating games.
"We asked them point blank, 'What we can do?' They gave us no answers," Doehler said.
Peter Higgins ejected from game
During a TWLL playoff game on June 12, former Taunton West Little League President and current umpire for the GTABUA Peter Higgins was escorted off the premises, Doehler said, for alleged harassment towards the replacement umpires.
Smith said it was the umpires who ejected Higgins, not league officials, explaining “they have discretion,” the league couldn’t overrule the decision, and it was the league’s responsibility to enforce the ruling.
Higgins told the Gazette he was at the complex to watch his grandson play a game which was instructional-based and didn’t require an umpire.
At some point, he walked over to the playoff game going on at another field. Higgins said he was curious what league the umpires officiating were from, but didn't want to bother them while they were working. So, he took out his phone to zoom in and take a picture of any identifying initials on their uniforms.
Higgins, a former Taunton High School teacher and coach, has been officiating as an umpire for youth sports leagues for 40 years.
Smith said the umpires recognized Higgins immediately, and they were uncomfortable seeing him take pictures of them.
Doehler said he believes Higgins went to the game "with the intent to disrupt our games, harass and intimidate our umpires."
TWLL Board members approached him, telling him he had to leave.
“I asked them, ‘Can you tell me what rule I’m violating?’ That was it. They said I was making people nervous,” said Higgins, adding he never spoke or went up to any of the umpires, nor did he raise his voice when approached by the officials.
Higgins said he was escorted by officials to his car in the parking lot.
“The whole thing got blown way out of proportion,” Damiano said of the June 12 incident.
Taunton West institutes zero tolerance policy...for adults
Smith and Doehler said the TWLL has taken action in response to the June 5 harassment incident. The adults who followed the umpires into the parking lot were given a 30-day suspension from the premises. In addition, Smith said, a zero-tolerance policy has been placed on the adults, meaning if something similar happens again, they will receive a lifetime ban from the TWLL complex.
Other measures already being taken are a designated board member of the league will be present at games to address fan and umpire complaints, as well as to monitor the crowd. The league will enforce a zero tolerance policy, subject to ejection from the premises, for any fans who attempt to approach or heckle the umpires on the field.
Smith said all these measures were discussed during the June 9 mediation, and that the TWLL also offered scheduling a police detail for every game, with the league paying for them.
“We’ve done everything we can do since then to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said Smith, adding that when the GTABUA voted to suspend involvement with TWLL, the league had to move on with other umpires to ensure the season could finish.
Coute added he was very disappointed with the vote made by the Greater Taunton Area Amateur Baseball Umpires Association, saying it’s “not what’s best for these kids,” which “is what’s getting lost in this conversation.”
Damiano told the Gazette, “this whole thing is a tragedy,” but added the umpires association is open towards negotiations with the TWLL for the 2024 season.
Doehler said he's skeptical over fences being mended between the organizations, saying it was wrong for them to "trash the league to other umpires" and "blast us in the media." He added the league is "just trying to move forward" because "parents want to see their kids play."
Higgins said he wished a reconciliation could have happened between groups.
“It’s not about me or you. It’s about the children. This sport is a good thing for them,” Higgins said | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/taunton-ma-west-little-league-umpires-parents-threats-harassment/70325116007/ | 2023-06-21T10:05:06 | 0 | https://www.tauntongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/taunton-ma-west-little-league-umpires-parents-threats-harassment/70325116007/ |
Dog kennels hold up 2018 Go Bonds as City starts fulfilling 2022 Bonds
A previous version of this story misspelled La Llorona Park. The error has been corrected.
LAS CRUCES – Dog kennels have been purchased and installed at the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley. But there's one problem.
The doors for the kennels separating them from the cleaning area remain delayed, according to Public Works Director David Sedillo. There is one other thing, Sedillo said. New cat kennels have also yet to arrive. Sedillo said this would delay the facility's official opening until those things are purchased and installed.
The remaining bits of the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley are some of the very last outstanding items funded by the 2018 Go Bonds. The other $35.75 million overwhelmingly approved by voters have all been completed. The completion comes just in time, too, as the fiscal year closes and the City of Las Cruces launches into the GO Bonds approved last year. For now, the City is working on three of the four projects approved in 2022.
Here's where each of the projects stands.
$6 million for affordable housing
This bond is the only bond that remains to be issued.
The council did not issue this bond when they issued the other three. At the time, city staff told the council that issuing the bond could lead to high-interest rates that might cannibalize the bond. However, staff presented alternative funding ideas that could offset the high rates if the council wanted to advance the bond. Instead, the council held back.
Once issued, the City believes that $6 million will unlock about $36 million. The City believes that money would help create 175 new units, making another dent in the 5,600-unit shortage estimated by the City.
Council said they hoped to issue the bond this summer or before the end of the year. About two-thirds of residents approved this bond, with 20,156 in favor and 10,872 against.
$9.8 million to the fire station for central Las Cruces and Sonoma Ranch
Voters approved a new Fire Station #9 with a $9.8 million bond. The fire station would serve the Sonoma Ranch and Central neighborhoods of Las Cruces. The City estimates that the new station would reduce response times to those areas by about three minutes – from about 11 to 8 minutes.
Sedillo provided estimations for early design costs. He said the City is looking to spend:
- Architectural and Engineering services should cost $713,000
- GeoTech to explore the lot for $10,500
Sedillo said he estimates the project will go out for bid in February 2024. This project was approved by voters by more than two-thirds, with 22,974 residents voting in favor and 7,900 voting against.
$1.98 million to park improvements
Sedillo said the City focuses on two parks for this bond – La Llorona Park along the Rio Grande and Tellbrook Park south of the interstate interchange. Sedillo said the parks were chosen from the Parks and Recreation Department's master plan.
For La Llorona, the City wants to upgrade amenities, a new restroom, and repair the river trail. Sedillo said the project would require a permit from the International Boundary and Water Commission. Sedillo said improvements to Tellbrook will depend on the costs in La Llorona. If there's enough money after La Llorona's modifications, the City will replace the exercise equipment at Bellbrook.
Voters approved this bond by about three-quarters in favor, with 23,074 voting yes and 8,077 voting no.
$4.9 million to East Mesa Public Recreational Complex
Lastly, voters approved sending another $4.9 million for the next phase of the East Mesa Recreational Complex. Sedillo said the City has $6.9 million for this phase, with the extra two million coming from the State.
However, Sedillo said about $2.25 million of the new money would have to be spent on items from phase one. That includes trees, shrubs, seeding, erosion control, playground equipment, shade structure, and sod for the 10-acre park.
As for new money, the projects include money for volleyball courts, basketball courts, a concession building, street furniture, and site grading. When asked by the council for a project end date, Sedillo said it was too early to say.
This bond was approved by about 63 percent of voters, which was 19,389 in favor and 11,396 against.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/community/2023/06/20/dog-kennels-hold-up-2018-go-bonds-as-city-starts-fulfilling-2022-bonds/70321493007/ | 2023-06-21T10:05:09 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/community/2023/06/20/dog-kennels-hold-up-2018-go-bonds-as-city-starts-fulfilling-2022-bonds/70321493007/ |
Jury says no murder conviction after trial but finds man conspired to kill, rob another
LAS CRUCES – A jury found that a Las Cruces man was not guilty of murder. Instead, they said he was guilty of conspiring to murder a man in 2020.
Angel Rosales, 25, faced a jury last week on charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm as a felon. Rosales was also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
By the trial’s end, Rosales avoided the most serious charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery. However, the jury did find Rosales guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and possession of a firearm as a felon.
Police believe that Rosales and his girlfriend ambushed and killed 27-year-old Justin Eric Clark on Dec. 15, 2020. In an affidavit, police argued that Rosales had dealing involving drugs with Clark and schemed to rip him off before ultimately killing him. After the shooting, police said Rosales and his girlfriend led officers on a chase through Las Cruces until they were eventually detained.
A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled, court filings show. But when it is, Rosales could face over a decade in prison.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/06/20/jury-says-no-murder-conviction-but-finds-man-conspired-to-kill-steal/70337806007/ | 2023-06-21T10:05:15 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/06/20/jury-says-no-murder-conviction-but-finds-man-conspired-to-kill-steal/70337806007/ |
Maximum sentence doled out to man convicted in night club murder
LAS CRUCES – A judge sentenced a Las Cruces man to the maximum sentence Friday after a jury convicted him of murder in March.
Adam Torres, 28, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after a jury said he was guilty of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and aggravated assault. Police accused Torres of killing Rogelio Alexander Baeza on June 28, 2019, outside the now-closed Halo's Ultra Lounge.
According to an affidavit, police believe Torres and Baeza feuded for days before Torres fired a gun several times at Baeza and his friend outside the closed nightclub, which was located at 2460 South Locust Street near the university. According to the 3rd Judicial District Attorney's Office, the jury deliberated for three hours before returning a guilty verdict on March 23
On Friday, Third Judicial District Judge Conrad Perea found that Torres deserved the maximum sentences for each of the three charges. Additionally, the judge allowed one-year enhancements for the use of a firearm and a one-year enhancement for Torres' status as a habitual offender.
For each charge, Torres was sentenced to:
- Second-degree murder, 15 years plus two years for enhancements,
- Tampering with evidence, three years plus one year for enhancements,
- Aggravated assault, a year and a half plus two years for enhancements.
That brought the total sentence to 24.5 years in prison for the 28-year-old man. Torres' sentence was reduced by the amount of time he's already spent in jail, which is about two years, according to court records. Judge Perea also sentenced Torres to six years of parole after he was released from prison.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/06/20/maximum-sentence-doled-out-to-man-convicted-in-halo-night-club-murder/70337620007/ | 2023-06-21T10:05:21 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/06/20/maximum-sentence-doled-out-to-man-convicted-in-halo-night-club-murder/70337620007/ |
The first day of school in the Mason City Community School District for the 2023-24 school year will be Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Board of Education agreed Monday night.
The board also approved the following student fees for the school year: general enrollment for grades K-6 at $35 and grades 7-12 at $70, with a maximum of $150 per family. Fees can be waived for families that meet eligibility guidelines and complete an application.
The board approved the pay rates for substitute nurses at $26.62 per hour, substitute paraprofessionals at $15.47 per hour, substitute custodians and groundkeepers at $20.92 per hour, substitute food service at $14.16 per hour, substitute secretaries at $18.04 per hour, and substitute bus aides at $13.83 per hour.
There are changes coming to the music department. The board approved a request from Joel Everist, longtime director of choral activities at the high school, for release from his contract. He has accepted a position as director of choral activities for North Iowa Area Community College.
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The board also approved a request from Samuel Bills, one of the directors of the high school band who has been with the district since 2017, for release from his contract.
The Mason City High School summer musical "Godspell" will at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June, and Saturday, June 24 at the NIACC auditorium
Also Monday, the board approved a contract with NIACC to expand the scope of courses offered through the college's Career Link program through which more than 150 courses are now available for students to earn college credit.
In other business, the board:
- Approved a five-year contract with North Iowa Bus Company to provide school bus and transit services to the district. The contract includes 25 regular education routes and eight special education routes (which includes up to four lift bus routes) for a total of 178 days per school year. The district and the bus service will split evenly the pre-tax fuel costs for all bus routes, field trips and extra-curricular activities except for motor-coach transportation, which will be provided through Cavalier Coaches.
- Approved a lease agreement with Prairie Trail Sports Complex of Ankeny to lease space in the new Riverhawks Athletic Fieldhouse from Oct. 1 to May 31 with the options for weekends in June/July for the purpose of hosting youth basketball tournaments.
- Approved a choir, band and orchestra trip to Chicago for March 22-March 24, 2024.
- Approved a Model UN trip to Washington, D.C., from Nov. 2, 2024 to Nov. 5, 2024.
- Approved seven open enrollment requests; five enrolled out of the district and two enrolled into the district.
The board next meets at 5:30 p.m. July 17 and will meet as a committee of the whole at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3, both in the Administrative Center Board room in the District Office at 1515 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Mason City.
The district office will be closed for the July 4 holiday.
Alexander Schmidt is an Education/General Assignment Reporter for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at alexander.schmidt@globegazette.com or at 641-421-0527. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/mason-city-community-school-district-start-date-aug-23/article_e45294e8-0f88-11ee-8bc9-736c28f3c9cd.html | 2023-06-21T10:15:19 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/education/mason-city-community-school-district-start-date-aug-23/article_e45294e8-0f88-11ee-8bc9-736c28f3c9cd.html |
The Clear Lake City Council voted 3-2 to extend an overlay project on South Lake View Drive an extra block to 26th Avenue South.
Councilmen Mike Callanan and Gary Hugi voted against the extension of the project that was approved by the same vote earlier this month to overlay asphalt from 25th Avenue South to South Shore Drive. The additional overlay will cost a $12,720. The original project was expected to cost just less than $47,000.
The work by Heartland Asphalt of Mason City is expected to begin next month.
In other business, Public Works Director Jeremy Korenberg told the council the Division I portion of the East Main Avenue project is about 95% complete.
The project includes resurfacing roads, making sidewalk ramps ADA-compliant, replacing deficient gutters and curbs, along with milling. The area is bounded by South Main Avenue, North Seventh Avenue, North 10th Avenue and North 20th Street. The project also includes the east-west alley located between Buddy Holly Place and North Third Street.
The council approved a payment of $26,720 for pavement markings, sod, and removal of erosion control items.
The project is being broken up into two "divisions." Division I included street patching, sidewalk replacement, ramps, and spot curb and gutter replacement, while Division II includes the street resurfacing.
Division II's lone bid of $593,315 from Heartland Asphalt was 3.8% more than the engineer's estimate. Korenberg said the start date is July 10 and the completion date is Aug. 25.
The council also appointed Talitha Allen and Bev Currier to the Library board of trustees for terms ending July 1, 2029.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 3, and will be moved to noon due to the Fourth of July celebration. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/clear-lake-council-paving-streets/article_69821f3c-0f8c-11ee-8b8e-432badaaf3a9.html | 2023-06-21T10:15:26 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/clear-lake-council-paving-streets/article_69821f3c-0f8c-11ee-8b8e-432badaaf3a9.html |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Multiple rounds of showers and storms are expected Wednesday across Central Florida.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Heavy rain will be widespread, and gusty winds will accompany some of the storms in the afternoon.
Many areas will see up to an inch of rain, with some spots 2-to-3 inches.
Watch: Thunderstorms flood streets, down oak tree in Ocala
This heavy rain could lead to localized flooding.
Parts of Marion County saw major flooding as storms moved through Tuesday.
Watch: Orange County neighbors concerned about possible exotic snakes on the loose after house fire
In addition to the storms, our area will also be warm Wednesday.
The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 89 degrees Wednesday afternoon.
Central Florida will be stuck in this active storm pattern for a while.
Read: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/flooding-possible-wednesday-strong-severe-storms-move-through-central-florida/I425BZMLVJEDXDD52JPU62DAP4/ | 2023-06-21T10:17:15 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/flooding-possible-wednesday-strong-severe-storms-move-through-central-florida/I425BZMLVJEDXDD52JPU62DAP4/ |
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The real estate firm involved in the new Buc-ee’s in New Kent County said a groundbreaking on the project is now planned "in coming months."
Norfolk-based S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. in a statement said Buc-ee’s New Kent LLC has purchased 27 acres located off of the Interstate 64 Exit 211 for $6.5 million.
"The property will be constructed as a Buc-ee’s Super Center, comprised of approximately 74,000 square feet of retail space, with multiple fueling positions and EV chargers, as well as abundant parking for cars, buses and RVs," the firm said in a statement.
“Gas station bathrooms don’t exactly scream excellence. But for millions of drivers throughout Texas and the Southeast, nothing beckons them to the 44 Buc-ee’s travel centers more than the — really? — rest rooms,” according to an article on Forbes.com.
The company plans to have four locations in Virginia in coming years, the real estate firm said. | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/development/buc-ees-virginia-new-kent-county/article_e8852cea-0fe4-11ee-bde9-8f9e02b270ff.html | 2023-06-21T10:37:08 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/business/development/buc-ees-virginia-new-kent-county/article_e8852cea-0fe4-11ee-bde9-8f9e02b270ff.html |
Richmond’s Department of Social Services failed to stop assistance payments for over a year to former foster care parents no longer caring for children, an audit reports.
This finding came among two others in a 13-page report released by the city auditor’s office. Of 22% of adoption files reviewed, the department failed to provide sufficient evidence that criminal background, child abuse and neglect checks were completed.
As a result, the department failed to meet mandatory requirements established by federal and state guidelines. “The objective for this audit was to test expenditures and compliance with the adoption program,” the report stated.
The audit discovered that, in at least two cases, former foster parents continued to receive funding after foster children re-entered the foster care system. The funding totaled approximately $65,000.
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The Richmond Department of Social Services is tasked with improving “the quality of life for all people” by “strengthening families and individuals through prevention, intervention and support services.” Its adoption unit is just one of many programs in effect to help achieve this goal.
Petula Burks, a spokeswoman for the city, said the audit highlights two areas for improvement: terminating adoption agreements and making sure that documentation is in adoption files, “particularly when third parties are completing the home studies.”
“Fortunately, we have very few adoptions that fall apart or need to be terminated,” she said in an email. “However, when they do, we work closely with the families to try to keep the family intact. On the occasion that it is not possible to keep a family together, we established a process to file for child support through the Office of Child Support Enforcement and monitor when payments are received.”
In the fiscal year 2022, the department reported 66 children were in foster care, with 59 of them in the system as a result of terminations of parental rights. Of the 66 children, 24 were adopted.
In order to ensure foster parents have adequate financial assistance to provide for the children, the department issues supplemental assistance payments.
While these funds are not intended to cover the full cost of raising a child, they cover basic child and medical care, especially for children with special needs. The funds are ultimately the children’s and not the parents’.
In total, the department issued $6.4 million in adoption assistance payments last year for 380 children and youth.
According to the audit, department staff did not adequately assess two cases to determine if assistance payments should be terminated, resulting in two families receiving payments despite not providing care for the children.
“The adoptive parents were concurrently paid along with foster care service providers,” the audit reports.
While the adoptive parents were referred to child support enforcement for collection efforts, no child support has been remitted to the department for these children.
For parents to qualify to be adoptive parents, they must meet mandatory federal requirements established by Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. This includes criminal background checks and regular in-home child abuse and neglect checks.
The audit reviewed 40 children’s cases that received Social Security subsidies. Of the 40, the report found that nine of them did not have any of the mandatory checks listed in their files or mark whether or not parents met requirements.
After talking with the staff, auditors noted that the department verbally affirmed that these in-home and background checks were completed, but could not provide specific dates or produce proper paperwork.
During the process, the audit reported that other documents — including court orders, negotiation papers and annual affidavits — were missing from the children’s files. While department staff members were ultimately able to retrieve and locate these files, the audit notes that the department can improve its filing practices.
“The auditors could not confirm when the checks occurred, and supporting documentation was not provided before the completion of the fieldwork,” the audit stated. “The lack of a quality control process resulted in incomplete adoption case files, which may result in noncompliance with the adoption assistance requirements.”
Burks said the missing documentation “was in files where the background check was completed by a third party,” not the city agency. She said they’ve taken steps to address the issue.
In order to alleviate some of these key problem areas, the audit recommends the department’s deputy director develop an internal process to determine if assistance payments need to be terminated and obtain guidance from the state as to handle the two identified cases.
The department agreed to develop a plan and meet the audit’s recommendations by the start of next month.
According to the report, the auditor’s office interviewed staff, reviewed federal and state regulations, analyzed state adoption statistics, reviewed assistance payments, selected children receiving federal adoption assistance and selected a sample of children to ensure payment processes were set up properly.
While the auditor’s office planned to review the city’s adoption timeliness — the federal goal is to finalize adoptions within two years — and validate if the required supervisory visits were completed, it was limited in its scope as local auditors do not meet the state’s codified definition as a party with a legitimate interest.
As a result, the office was unable to access the adoption records and data needed to make a full determination.
However, Virginia Department of Social Services adoption statistics found that 86% of the city’s adoption cases over the past five years have taken more than 24 months to complete. The audit notes that this could be the result of numerous factors, including a shortage of foster families and difficulty placing children with behavioral issues, special needs and disabilities.
Said Burks: “The city of Richmond is committed to continuous improvement, and audits are a tool that helps us improve how we deliver our services and manage public funds.”
Collection: Our 'From the Archives' series
Despite the planned evening festivities, it was a rather quiet morning. The people, horses and wagons that had filled the streets on their way…
For 24 grueling hours, the city of Richmond held its collective breath as heavy rains beat down and the James River continued to swell with ea…
In a letter to the editor in the April 16, 1910, edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, one author wrote: “Manchester is Manchester no longer. The ancient city closed its eyes last night as of yore, but slept, and will sleep forever as a ward of Richmond.”
Nearly 2 million came out in early May 1975 to witness the opening of Kings Dominion amusement park.
As the church bells chimed signaling the start of early afternoon, Oregon Hill came alive.
From small, Southern towns to the big epicenters of the country, it was a shot heard around the country. A single decision set into motion years of discussion and sent numerous dockets before the Virginia State Board of Education.
For months, many Richmonders held onto the belief that the Confederate capital would never fall to Union forces. Here's what happened in early April 1865. | https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/richmond-foster-care-children-adoption/article_137096e0-0f7e-11ee-a7f2-23cf999760b3.html | 2023-06-21T10:37:14 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/government-politics/richmond-foster-care-children-adoption/article_137096e0-0f7e-11ee-a7f2-23cf999760b3.html |
MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) –This year, News Channel 11 is celebrating seven decades of delivering you local news and weather. To mark this milestone, each month newscasts will be on the road to visit different communities in the viewing area.
On Wednesday, News Channel 11 will highlight the people, places, activities and history that make Mountain City a great place to live and a great place to visit.
Starting at 6 a.m., join Kelly Grosfield, Kasey Marler and Jeremy Eisenzopf at Locals Deli.
If you can’t join the morning crew, make plans to meet up with Sara Diamond, Josh Smith, Mark Reynolds and Kenny Hawkins at the Heritage Hall Theatre beginning at 4 p.m.
If you can’t join in person, be sure to catch News Channel 11 and ABC Tri-Cities on air to celebrate the milestone. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/celebrating-70-years/news-channel-11-celebrates-70-years-in-mountain-city/ | 2023-06-21T10:41:22 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/celebrating-70-years/news-channel-11-celebrates-70-years-in-mountain-city/ |
A Knoxville alternative response team could respond to these types of nonviolent calls
Knoxville community advocates have renewed their push to start an alternative crisis response team that would show up to emergency calls without police officers when someone is experiencing mental health or addiction crises.
The process would be intentionally different than what happens now. Dispatchers would send out a behavioral health expert and a medic on nonviolent calls because proponents say those in crisis are far more likely to trust and accept help from a health care worker.
But what kinds of 911 calls are the advocates talking about? Essentially, the new team would respond when a community member clearly needs help and hasn't committed a crime.
“If we can intervene before it becomes violent, that would be a positive thing for the community,” said Healing EastTN Alternative Response Team member Alex Rifwald. “Especially with the unhoused. They are not getting the help they need because it’s scary to call for help. People are afraid to call 911 because they are afraid of what will happen when the police show up. They just won’t reach out.”
How would the alternative response approach work in Knoxville?
As a practicing paramedic and future physician, Beau Morgan said he frequently responds to calls when a team trained in trauma-informed care would better meet the needs of community members.
"Imagine you are not feeling well, you're scared, you know something isn't quite right," Morgan said. "Your thoughts are racing, and you feel very overwhelmed. You have a history of traumatic stress and are a survivor of domestic violence, and you also have a history of self-harm where you once in a while cut yourself during acute manic episodes."
If someone called 911 looking for help for that person, a fire truck and an ambulance could show up, Morgan said. But picture the alternative team: A few people who understand the person's situation quietly arrive and talk about the local resources available, plus how to follow through with care.
"Many patients I interact with who struggle with mental health seek calm, safety, reassurance and a person to listen to them," he said. "They often need referrals to local resources that assist with housing, medication and food stability."
Knowing how to de-escalate is key, both Morgan and Rifwald said.
"De-escalation is an art that is best practiced from a place of lived experience and empathy and takes intentional patience and consistent practice," Morgan said. "An alternative response team has the capacity to provide this."
De-escalation goes beyond the training received by police officers on a typical beat, Rifwald said. Law enforcement crisis intervention training lasts 40 hours while a licensed clinical social worker goes through thousands of hours of supervised work experience.
“Maybe someone is obviously distressed on the street and someone calls who is worried because they’re screaming,” she said, explaining the alternative response team would approach the person in mental health distress and ask them if they are having a bad day. “It’s such a compassionate, beautiful way to address someone.”
De-escalation services could help business owners as well, Rifwald said.
“One thing we hear is, sometimes people come into a space and they’re distressed or they need help, but (staff members) don’t want to call the police on them,” she said. “This would give them someone to call, to de-escalate the situation. … This is not really a service we have right now in Knoxville."
What kind of calls get diverted to teams in established programs?
Existing programs such as CAHOOTS in Eugene, Oregon, have found the majority of calls diverted to alternative response teams involve people who might be suicidal.
In 2019, CAHOOTS teams responded to nearly 21,000 calls for service. A breakdown of types of calls shows 28% were welfare checks, 27% were requests for help not otherwise specified (nonemergency service requests from the public), 22% were medical transport calls, 7% were suicidal calls and 4.5% were for drunk and disorderly conduct.
Examples of calls routed to CAHOOTS include:
- A welfare check for a woman walking barefoot on an overpass.
- A welfare check for a person possibly sleeping under a tarp on the sidewalk.
- A member of the public requesting CAHOOTS for counseling and assistance for suicidal thoughts.
- A person requesting transportation to a meal.
When a Health Affairs reporter spent a day with two different CAHOOTS teams, the calls - more than 20 over the course of 12 hours - ran the gamut. A young homeless man had fallen into a cold stream and was at risk for hypothermia; the team brought him clothes and food. Another man was feeling suicidal and was found face down on the sidewalk. The team eventually took him to a “sobering” center.
What are the next steps in Knoxville?
Knoxville's City Council members on June 27 are scheduled to talk more about forming an exploratory team.
Council member Amelia Parker has asked for $50,000 to create a task force that would set up a pilot program, but her proposal was tabled May 30 after pushback from the council that included concerns over implementation.
Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email lkellar@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/knoxville-alternative-response-team-could-answer-crisis-calls/70288076007/ | 2023-06-21T11:00:27 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/knoxville-alternative-response-team-could-answer-crisis-calls/70288076007/ |
FILER — There’s a secret behind the success of Gordy’s HWY 30 Music Fest. It’s one of developing relationships, one of loyalty.
The event, now in its 10th year, kicks off Wednesday and runs through Saturday. Gordy Schroeder, along with his wife, Megan, created the event.
“Over the years we have had a great relationship with the bands,” Gordy said. “I remember when some of the bands we first brought in were baby bands and now they are headlining all over the country.”
Case in point: County music star Lainey Wilson.
“Nobody knew her four years ago, but we stayed loyal to her, and she stayed loyal to us, and now she is winning every award in the world,” Gordy said.
Those top awards include being named the Female Artist of the Year last month by the Academy of Country Music, as well as earning the award for album of the year for her critically acclaimed album "Bell Bottom Country," and a slew of other awards.
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Wilson will be headlining Wednesday’s performances along with Morgan Wade, who was nominated as best new female artist of the year by the ACM. It will be part of an “all-woman Wednesday,” Gordy said.
Other headliners are Shane Smith & the Saints and The Steel Woods on Thursday, Whiskey Myers and Read Southall Band on Friday, and Koe Wetzel and Kolby Cooper finishing up on Saturday.
More than 30 bands will perform during the event.
Top acts have helped the event gain worldwide attention. A group from Canada is expected to attend the festival, and a group from Europe was a regular before the pandemic hit.
“It is surreal to think that just 10 years ago we could barely get 300 people in here,” Gordy said. Now they have more campers than that coming to the festival each year who park at various spots at the fairgrounds. More than 30,000 are expected to attend over its four days.
He said there are budding stars just waiting to be discovered.
“I travel the country looking for that band that brings it,” Gordy said. “Maybe they are playing in front of 15 people right now in a smoky little bar in the middle of nowhere and the next thing they are selling out arenas across the country.”
The HWY 30 Music Fest isn’t exclusively country music, but also Americana and rock. Megan Schroeder promises that everybody will find music that they enjoy.
Plus, they are bound to find some food they like from multiple food vendors, including “the world’s best pulled-pork nachos,” she said.
She credits a team of mostly volunteers that makes the event a success.
“We have friends that volunteer, that help set up and tear down,” she said. “They take a week off work.”
Texas bands that have performed in Filer have been successful in persuading the couple to set up a music festival in the Lone Star State. It’s set for Oct. 19 to 22 and will feature 30 bands, taking place in Fort Worth close to another Highway 30 — actually, Interstate 30. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/loyalty-pays-dividends-for-hwy-30-music-fest-in-filer/article_ea80703e-0fb4-11ee-a830-c31172f9f23d.html | 2023-06-21T11:00:40 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/loyalty-pays-dividends-for-hwy-30-music-fest-in-filer/article_ea80703e-0fb4-11ee-a830-c31172f9f23d.html |
The 23rd year of the summer concert series Twin Falls Tonight kicks off Wednesday at the Downtown Commons.
The family-friendly event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and gives people a chance to socialize and features toe-tapping live music coupled with food vendors, all in a beautiful downtown setting, said Robin Dober, chair of the Twin Falls Tonight Committee.
The first band to play this year is the Oakley-based Shenanigans, described as a high-energy, multi-genre band, covering country, rock and blues, that performs hits from the 1950s to the millennia.
“They perform a lot of 80s' rock,” Dober said, adding that their music will get people dancing.
It is the first time the band, formed just before the pandemic hit, will play at Twin Falls Tonight.
Other bands scheduled to play on Wednesdays during the concert series include the Cliff Miller Band, Swagger, Idaho 75, Copperhead and Guilty Pleasure. The season concludes July 26.
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In addition to the music, multiple food vendors will be on hand to serve menu items including barbecue, pizza, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and mini-donuts. Beer and wine are also available.
“We are excited about this season,” Dober said. “I hope people bring their chairs and friends and enjoy it.”
Twin Falls Tonight is funded by sponsors, whose donations pay for the band and other costs associated with the event. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls-tonight-concert-series-kicks-off-wednesday/article_ab8086d2-0fc1-11ee-a100-3fa8599b8561.html | 2023-06-21T11:00:46 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/twin-falls-tonight-concert-series-kicks-off-wednesday/article_ab8086d2-0fc1-11ee-a100-3fa8599b8561.html |
Five things to know about USA Cycling Pro Road National Championship in Knoxville
The USA Cycling Pro Road National Championship returns to the Knoxville area for the seventh consecutive year.
Here is what you need to know about it before cyclists hit the streets:
Three jam-packed days of cycling
The event runs Thursday to Sunday and is a lot going on in between those four days.
On Thursday, the Individual Time Trial National Championship will take place in Oak Ridge at 9:30 a.m. for the women's event which is a 23.2K race and noon for the men's portion which is 34.9K.
Both races will begin at the Melton Lake Drive Pavilion, with women receiving awards around 11:50 a.m. and then men receiving theirs around 4:30 p.m.
Friday features the Criterium National Championships which will begin on Gay Street and Cumberland Avenue.
In a 1.8K circuit, then women will ride for 70 minutes beginning at 6:15 p.m. while the men will ride for 80 minutes starting at 7:40 p.m. The awards will begin for both events at 9 p.m. in the same location.
The final day of racing will conclude Sunday when the Pro Road National Championship will take place on Gay Street and Cumberland Avenue.
The women will begin their portion at 9 a.m. where they will accumulate 109.4K in 10 laps and the men at 1:15 p.m. for 186.1K and 17 laps.
Women's awards ceremonies will take place around 12:10 p.m. while the men's ceremonies will begin around 6:10 p.m.
Meet some of America's best cyclists
The fun doesn't just come from race watching, with Saturday designated as Olympic Day.
From noon to 2 p.m., you can meet some of cycling's Olympians for autographs and photos at Safety City.
Fans are encouraged to bring their own bikes and helmets to participate. There will also be giveaways, raffles, vendors and food trucks available.
Looking at the men's field
In the Elite Men's Criterium is reigning champion Luke Lamperti as well as fifth in the Elite Men's Road Race.
Also returning is Kyle Murphy, who won the Road Race. Murphy is one of the more experienced cyclists entered, being rostered on amateur and professional teams since 2013. Watch for him and Lamperti on Sunday.
Looking at the women's field
Kendall Ryan will defend her title in the Criterium. Ryan is a five-time USA National Champion and will be a difficult cyclist to beat in the competition.
Emma Langley will defend her title in the Road Race.
Road closures and impacts to keep in mind
The event will force some road closures.
Thursday's shutdown will include closure of Melton Lake Drive in phases. Starting at 7 a.m. it will be closed from Amanda Drive to Emory Valley Road, 8:30 a.m. from Palisades to Rolling Links Boulevard Union Valley Road and then the full closure of Edgemoor Road at 9:25 a.m. Roads are expected to reopen at 5 p.m.
On Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., South Gay Street, West Hill Avenue and Women's Hall of Fame Drive will be closed while the Gay Street block from Church to Cumberland will be closed the entire day. The same follows for Saturday for the Gay Street block.
Sunday's races will feature multiple closures from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout downtown and South Knoxville.
Gay Street block from Church to Cumberland will be closed till 9 p.m. Sunday.
BICYCLING IN KNOXVILLE:New downtown-Urban Wilderness connector could get grant funding | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/21/usa-cycling-pro-road-national-championship-in-knoxville/70334016007/ | 2023-06-21T11:01:03 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/21/usa-cycling-pro-road-national-championship-in-knoxville/70334016007/ |
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Temporary lanes on Interstate 95 will be open sometime this weekend, with permanent repairs to follow, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday, more than a week after a section of the interstate collapsed in Philadelphia.
“Traffic will be flowing here on I-95 this weekend,” Shapiro said, lauding the around-the-clock work of crews on the stretch of the East Coast’s main north-south highway in northeast Philadelphia.
A section of the northbound lanes of the elevated highway collapsed early June 11 after a tractor-trailer hauling gasoline flipped over on an off-ramp and caught fire. State transportation officials said the driver, who was killed, lost control around a curve. The resulting damage necessitated demolition of the southbound lanes as well, officials said.
Pennsylvania’s plan for a quick interim fix has involved trucking in 2,000 tons of lightweight recycled glass nuggets to fill in the collapsed area, avoiding supply-chain delays for other materials, officials said. After that, a replacement bridge will be built next to it to reroute traffic while crews excavate the fill to restore the exit ramp, officials said.
Shapiro said Tuesday that crews had completed pouring the aggregate into the gap to build it up to the level of the rest of the highway, and cranes were now lifting large outer barriers into place. After that, crews would begin paving and striping three lanes in each direction, he said.
“This weekend, our commuters will finally be able to set their Monday morning alarm clocks back to the regular time, because they won’t have to spend extra time in detours,” the governor said.
Pennsylvania’s secretary of transportation, Michael Carroll, said he wanted to address questions online about the recycled glass aggregate, which he said had been in use in Pennsylvania for seven or eight years and was in fact under sections of I-95 already. He said it was also being used in several other states.
“I have 100 percent confidence in its ability to withstand the traffic that’s on that facility once we open it,” Carroll said. “... It’s safe, it’s sound, it’s ready to go to work.”
President Joe Biden, visiting the site with the governor Saturday, called the design “incredibly innovative.” He said he had told the governor that there was “no more important project right now in the country,” and federal officials have promised to quickly supply whatever aid is needed to complete the project as rapidly as possible.
Shapiro said the repair work would cost an estimated $25 million to $30 million, and the federal government at the highest levels had committed to cover the full cost. He said he would have a timeline on the completion of the permanent repairs once that project begins.
The president said Saturday he knew how important the highway was to Philadelphia and the Northeast Corridor, carrying more than 150,000 vehicles, including 14,000 trucks, every day. “It’s critical to our economy, and it’s critical to our quality of life,’’ he said.
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved a measure by a close vote Tuesday that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, fulfilling a long-held party campaign plank that has run up against Republican legislative majorities for years.
The bill passed 103-100 with all but one Democrat voting for it and two Republicans joining them. But it has an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled Senate as lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro increasingly focus on budget legislation ahead of the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is set at the federal minimum of $7.25, and last increased in 2009.
The measure would gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 by changing from $7.25 to $11 in its first year, then to $13 in 2025 and finally to $15 in 2026. The bill ties future increases to inflation, which sponsors say mirrors action taken by 15 other states.
The legislation would also increase the tipped wage to 60% of the minimum wage from the current $2.83 an hour. The movement comes after Democrats won a House majority for the first time in a dozen years, albeit by one seat.
It’s been a yearslong effort for Democrats, who have campaigned on increasing the minimum wage nationally.
Rep. Justin Fleming, a Dauphin County Democrat, said it was one of his priorities as a candidate. He recalled working for a former Democratic governor when the Legislature last increased the minimum wage.
“If you had told me that it would be 14 years before this body would take another stab to raise the minimum wage, I simply wouldn’t have believed it,” he said. “Passing this bill will keep workers who live close to our borders here in the state and patronizing Pennsylvania businesses.”
Republicans emphasized concerns for small businesses and rising costs associated with raising the wage.
“I cannot support a bill that would put a local family restaurant out of business and, along with it, the many employees who make a living at their three locations,” said Rep. Katie Klunk, a York County Republican.
For some Democrats, the effort didn’t extend far enough.
“An African proverb says, ‘When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,’” said Dauphin County Democratic Rep. Patty Kim. “Even if we raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, the grass still suffers. I support this bill because this is a piece to a larger puzzle that will help working families.”
Shapiro campaigned last year for a $15 minimum wage and, in his first budget address, he asked for the increase. Republican opposition stymied efforts by former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf through his eight years in office to raise the minimum wage.
Wolf imposed higher wage requirements on companies getting loans, grants or tax breaks from the state government through an executive order in 2021. He did the same to state contractors in 2016.
All told, 30 other states and Washington, D.C., have raised the minimum wage above the federal minimum, including some Republican-controlled states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Every neighbor of Pennsylvania also has raised the minimum wage, although Ohio’s law exempts lower-earning businesses and employees under 16.
June is budget month in Pennsylvania’s Legislature and often a time for deal-making on pet policy priorities between governors and top lawmakers.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, said last week that his caucus would wait for the House to pass a minimum wage bill to consider it. However, he said, “$15 an hour is not a practical number” for Republicans in that chamber to consider.
In a deal with Wolf in 2019, the Senate agreed to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage in four steps to $9.50 in 2022, but the House’s Republican majority blocked it.
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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A proposed tax credit to recruit new teachers, nurses and police officers passed through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with bipartisan support on Tuesday, but leaders of the Republican-controlled Senate have suggested it lacks support in the caucus.
The bill passed 137-66, with every Democrat and about one-third of Republicans supporting it.
The tax credit is a key element of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal that he hopes will attract more people into Pennsylvania’s ranks of police officers, nurses and teachers amid nationwide shortages in the fields.
The bill would provide a tax credit of up to $2,500 annually for three years for a Pennsylvania resident after they become certified, or after they move to Pennsylvania with a state-recognized credential.
To earn the full tax credit, however, a worker would have to make almost $82,000 — far above the starting salaries of the vast majority of nurses, teachers and officers.
Still, Democrats said that the legislation would help address the “acute shortages” in the addressed industries.
“In no area are those shortages more painful and potentially more dangerous than the area of policing, nursing and the teachers that provide for our children,” said House Majority Leader Matthew Bradford, D-Montgomery.
Republican leadership criticized the legislation as not helping the workers already in the field.
It next goes to the Senate, where Republican leadership has referred to the measure as a “Band-Aid approach,” and said it lacks the caucus’s support.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-38) and their eight-game losing streak seems to have no end in sight after getting shutout for the second straight night against the Chicago Cubs (35-38).
The Pirates received a second straight night of good starting pitching, with Johan Oviedo going six strong innings and only giving up two earned runs.
The Pirates offense was stifled and kept their heads above water, and managed only five hits, with Connor Joe and Ke’Bryan Hayes hitting four out of the five hits.
As a result, the Cubs pulled out a 4-0 win over the Pirates.
First pitch at PNC Park is scheduled for 12:35 p.m.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
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Goat milk to cinnamon rolls: Alliance Farmers Market expands this summer
- Alliance Farmers Market runs every Saturday - except Aug. 12 - from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at State Street and Union Avenue. It ends Oct. 7.
- There will be at least 25 vendors. For the first time, craft vendors will be part of the market.
- Among the new vendors this season include goat milk products, cinnamon rolls and flowers.
ALLIANCE − An expanded Alliance Farmers Market returns Saturday with its sweet smells and delicious treats for another season.
The market runs every Saturday − except Aug. 12 − from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the northeast lot at State Street and Union Avenue through Oct. 7. The Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Grand Parade will be held Aug. 12 in Alliance, and the route passes the corner where the market takes place.
The market is run by the Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cinmarron Ney-George, manager, of the Alliance Farmers Market, said there will be live music, a coffee truck and activities. At least 25 vendors will be at this year's market, including craft vendors for the first time.
"I was getting a lot of questions from people who do crafts and were trying to get into a market and I would have to turn down in previous years because our rules didn't allow that. I was hopeful we would expand those rules," she said.
And, this summer, those interested in items other than food will find options.
"Now we're getting more attention from vendors who do things other than produce," giving the market the chance to draw more customers, Ney-George said.
Vendor's new line works to ease eczema
There are several new vendors, and their names and faces might be familiar from other ventures.
Christina Pfaff, whose family runs CLS Show Cattle Farm in Beloit, is bringing her new line of goat milk products called "Blessings from Above Farm Goods" to the Alliance market. She started the business within the last six months, separate from the cattle operations.
Pfaff said her homemade goat milk products − including lotions, soaps, cheeses and fudge − come from a goat they raise named Rosie. The 37-year-old mother said she got into the goat milk business after the family got some to help ease her daughter's eczema.
"We tried everything to get cleared it up," she said. "We got some goat milk soap, tried it and loved it. It was the only thing that cleared it up."
In addition to farmer's markets, Pfaff said she is planning to have a roadside stand by their farm in the future.
Cinnamon rolls making a comeback
Monica Coblentz, owner of Monica's Cinnamon Rolls, said she's making a comeback after a break to raise four children. Her roadside stand was a popular stop on state Route 153 in Washington Township. She resumed business in January.
Coblentz will be selling her sweet treats this summer at the Alliance Farmers Market.
She also said her cinnamon rolls are sold in Finders Keepers Country Market near Louisville and Kishman's Fresh Market IGA in Minerva. The roadside stand was not reopened.
Coblentz said the farmers market offers another opportunity to sell rolls − along with her handmade kitchen towels − to expand their reach, "getting more people to enjoy them." Plus, her children want to be involved.
"It will be a family affair. My children want to make chocolate chip cookies to sell, too," she said.
Grab some flowers
Another new vendor at this year's market is Purple Cottage Flowers.
Abigail Schlarb, 40, of Alliance, who owns a farm in Kent, has been growing flowers for several years. She started her business this year. She sells dahlias, sunflowers and zinnias with, "an array of fillers" such as snapdragons and other foliage.
She also sells photography of her blooms with framed art and stationary.
"I started growing cut flowers in 2020 amidst the pandemic," she said. "I cultivated a space for something beautiful in my life during a time when everyone in the world was surrounded by such worry and fear and it gave me a sense of peace and purpose."
Schlarb said she will be at the market during bloom season − July through October − and will soon have a roadside stand.
"For two years, I gave away free flowers to family, friends, acquaintances and strangers. I started making bouquets and delivering them to people who needed them," she said. "In 2023, I decided to turn my hobby into a business."
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP
Who’s coming to Alliance?
Cinmarron Ney-George, manager of the Alliance Farmers Market, on Sunday shared the list of confirmed vendors to start the season on Saturday. She said this list is vendors who focus on produce. Other vendors will sell homegrown produce, but they focus on other items. Vendors set for this weekend include:
Snyder's Orchard
MacLean Greens
Blackbird Meadows Farm
Swift Fields
Stephanie's Produce
Sandy's Produce
Canton Mushroom Works (assorted culinary mushrooms) | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/06/21/alliance-farmers-market-returns-on-saturdays-from-june-24-to-oct-7/70294156007/ | 2023-06-21T11:28:04 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2023/06/21/alliance-farmers-market-returns-on-saturdays-from-june-24-to-oct-7/70294156007/ |
'Whatever is hard I can make easy.' Girl, 12, who lost foot to get prosthetic in Stark
- Farah Isleem's amputated leg was measured and she got a shrinker sock to reduce swelling for a fitting for the prosthetic later this week.
- Farah lost much of her right leg below the knee after an Israeli attack on her home in Gaza, the Palestine Children's Relief Fund said, in response to rocket attacks by Palestinian militants.
PERRY TWP. − Farah Isleem lost her right foot at the age of 10 when her apartment was bombed in the Gaza Strip in May 2021, according to a Kent man who leads an organization devoted to helping Palestinian children.
Farah, now 12, arrived in Stark County last week to get measured for a prosthetic foot donated by Yanke Bionics so she could walk comfortably again. It was her first journey from her home in Gaza City outside the Middle East.
Steve Sosebee of Kent said his Palestine Children's Relief Fund arranged for her travel, got Farah a special permit so she could enter Israel to fly out of its airport near Tel-Aviv, covered her plane ticket and travel expenses, helped her get a visa to enter the United States and found a host family in the Cleveland area with whom she could stay. He said Akron-based Yanke Bionics, which has multiple locations in Ohio, is donating the treatment and prosthetic, which would normally cost several thousand dollars.
Sosebee, the fund's president and founder, his wife Dr. Zeena Salman, their 5-year-old daughter and infant son accompanied Farah to her roughly 40-minute appointment.
Kevin Montini, an orthothist and prosthetist with Yanke who has treated children in the past aided by the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, greeted them in the waiting room. He escorted them to a room for Farah's initial evaluation. Farah walked with the help of crutches.
Her right leg had been amputated below her knee. She sat in a chair by a set of handrails. Montini directed that she wear a shrinker sock over the stump of her right leg for 23 hours a day over the next week to reduce swelling. That would make the limb a better shape to be fitted for her prosthesis at her next appointment in about a week.
Farah might need a few appointments over a month to two months to get the right prosthetic and to adapt to it. Salman, a pediatric oncologist whose parents are from Sudan, translated what Montini said into Arabic for Farah.
Palestine Children's Relief Fund:Three decades later, nonprofit founded by Kent man still helping injured Palestinian children
Yanke Bionics donates treatment and prosthetic
Sosebee and Salman said that Farah had worn two subpar quality, poor fitting prosthetics that were uncomfortable and painful for her to use during the past two years — especially when she had to go up several flights of concrete stairs to get to her family's fourth-floor apartment. The building in the Gaza City area has no elevator.
"She said, 'I hurt from here and here and here' every time she would put it on or go to the clinic, it would always hurt in a new spot," Salman said, translating for Farah. "And she couldn't walk very far but it would start hurting right away."
Sosebee said Farah was excited to get a new prosthetic leg that would transform her life.
After the appointment, he said, "She's lived in pain. Without the ability to be independent as prosthetics are supposed to give you that opportunity to move, to walk, to run. To go to school. All of that's been a challenge for her. So hopefully, this will give her a much higher level and degree of independence."
Farah Isleem still feels the sensation that her toes are there
Sophia Mancini, a prosthetic resident for two weeks at Yanke Bionics, fitted the shrinker sock onto Farah's limb. Yanke Bionics orthothist and prosthetist Renee Horn guided Mancini through the evaluation form. Mancini, who graduated in May from Eastern Michigan University, asked Farah some questions about her medical history.
Farah told Montini and Mancini that soon after the injury that resulted from the bombing of her family's home, her left leg became swollen and hurt as if it was broken. But it wasn't broken.
It took time before that sensation went away. She no longer feels pain from her amputated right leg, which she described as feeling like electricity. The girl now just feels pressure, with one area on her right leg still feeling numb. But she still experiences the sensation that her toes are there.
Farah said she has had about 10 procedures. After doctors futilely tried to save her foot, they amputated it and she had a subsequent surgery about a year ago as what was left of her leg grew.
Mancini asked Farah what her regular activities were before the amputation.
The girl, the middle child with three brothers and three sisters, said she swam, ran, jumped and walked on the beach. She vacuumed and helped clean around the home.
Mancini checked the size of the shoe on her left foot: U.S. 7 1/2. She took out a tape measure and took extensive measurements of Farah's right leg. Mancini asked how tall her parents were to try to get an idea how much more Farah would grow.
"Medium-sized parents. Not too big. Not too small," Salman translated.
They confirmed Farah's appointment for the following week. Horn and Montini said they would make a cast of her limb then, and then fit her with a prosthetic to walk with.
"I can't think of a better first case to work on," said Mancini, who predicted that Farah would soon be walking again. "The fact she's so mobile without anything is wonderful."
Montini said, "She has a great prognosis. It's a good limb. Right shape. Perfect person. Good attitude. She's motivated. She wants to do this."
Sosebee told Montini that his organization had a volunteer who was a doctor specializing in prosthetic care who could visit Farah after she returned home to Gaza to provide follow-up examinations, replacement of parts in the prosthetic and prosthetic adjustments. Farah would need new prosthetics over time as she grew.
Walking again:With a little help, Shahad Salah can walk again
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund has helped about 2,000 children since 1990
Sosebee, a native of Kent who grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, said he had visited the West Bank and Gaza as a Kent State University undergraduate in 1988. Moved by the Palestinian people's plight, he founded Palestine Children's Relief Fund around 1990 so he could help the Palestinians in a way that was "healing and effective. And not destructive and negative."
He has been able to recruit 150 medical teams to visit the West Bank and Gaza each year to provide needed treatment to Palestinian children. His medical advisory group has about 170 doctors around the world, he said.
The group recently opened an emergency department in a hospital in the West Bank. And the Palestine Children's Relief Fund has a field staff of about 20 in Gaza and the West Bank, which provides children educational programs. Some of them are amputees who were children the organization helped get prosthetics years ago.
Sosebee, who has split time living between Kent and the West Bank the past 30 years, said Farah was among three Palestinian children he accompanied to the U.S. on June 9 to get new prosthetics during their summer break. He said he first met Farah in September. The other two children have gone to get treatment in Detroit and Columbus.
He said his organization since 1990 has helped about 2,000 children from the Middle East, many with post-traumatic stress disorder, to get treatment donated by medical facilities throughout the U.S. About five or six have gotten treatment at Yanke Bionics. The Repository has covered the stories of at least four other children Sosebee has brought to Stark County from the Middle East for treatment of injuries such as from bombings, gunfire and a fire in 2005, 2009 and 2012.
'Nothing is hard for me ever. Whatever is hard I can make easy.'
In May 2021, confrontations between Israeli police officers and Palestinians at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem led to militants firing rockets into Israel from Gaza, attacking civilian areas and killing at least 12. Israel, saying it was targeting Hamas militants, responded with missile strikes and air strikes during the 11-day conflict, killing at least 230 in Gaza and displacing about 58,000 people.
Sosebee said Farah's home was among those destroyed by an Israeli airstrike or drone attack. All the members of her family survived, but four of the children were hurt. Farah was the most seriously injured. She got surgery in the nearby country of Jordan where she got her first prosthetic.
Farah was asked how the last two years had been for her.
"She said after she lost her leg, she dreamt of having a prosthetic leg," Salman said. "And when she got that, she was very excited to try again to do the things that she could do before. And I said, 'Before you got that prosthetic, were things hard for you?' And she said, 'Nothing is hard for me ever. Whatever is hard I can make easy.'"
Salman added, "She said she's very excited because it's the first time that she traveled. She's very excited to have a new leg. And there's no reason for her to be nervous or scared because something good is going to come of this. ... She thinks that what happened to her, God will reward her for going through such difficulty."
Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. Twitter: @rwangREP. | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/21/farah-isleem-who-lost-foot-comes-to-stark-county-to-get-prosthetic-palestine-childrens-relief-fund/70319366007/ | 2023-06-21T11:28:10 | 0 | https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2023/06/21/farah-isleem-who-lost-foot-comes-to-stark-county-to-get-prosthetic-palestine-childrens-relief-fund/70319366007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Bret is a little stronger Wednesday morning as it continues its move towards the Caribbean.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Bret is moving west at 16 mph and has winds around 60 mph.
Bret is forecast to only slightly strengthen as it heads to the Lesser Antilles.
Read: Hurricane season: Are you ready? Survey says many Floridians are not
Bret should rapidly weaken in the Caribbean as it encounters dry air and shears over the weekend.
As of now, Bret is not forecast to impact Florida.
Read: NOAA forecasters release predictions for 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
Channel 9 meteorologists will continue to monitor Bret and another tropical system that could develop as it moves through the Atlantic Ocean.
Read: Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/storm-watches-issued-lesser-antilles-ts-bret-gains-strength/MWI7T54URREHLH343NXKLVL2YM/ | 2023-06-21T11:48:39 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/storm-watches-issued-lesser-antilles-ts-bret-gains-strength/MWI7T54URREHLH343NXKLVL2YM/ |
How many people does it take to trim a giraffe's hooves? For RI zoo staff, this was no joke
Giraffe hooves are like human fingernails, but a lot tougher to trim
The outer parts of a giraffe's hooves are like a human's fingernails but a lot tougher to trim, according to the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
How much tougher?
It took a team of 45 people nearly two hours to trim the hooves of 18-foot-tall, 2,800-pound Jaffa, a male giraffe born at the zoo 12 years ago.
Jaffa was put under anesthesia, which is considered risky with giraffes, and a large-animal technical rope/lifting expert was on hand and ready to help if needed.
Veterinary staff from Zoo New England, the Columbus Zoo, the Omaha Zoo and the Tufts University veterinary anesthesia department worked with the Providence zoo's veterinary team and keepers during the "complicated procedure" on June 13, the zoo said in a news release.
Northern Colorado farrier Steve Foxworth, a national leader in giraffe hoof care as top instructor for the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program, came with a team.
Keeping a giraffe's hooves healthy is important because it allows them to bear their weight properly, according to the zoo. If their hooves are misshapen and the weight isn't distributed properly, it can put extra strain on bones and joints and lead to problems with the giraffe's muscles and gait, according to the zoo.
"Animals under human care do not typically have the opportunity to travel the distances required to maintain sound, functional hooves," the Zoo Hoofstock Trim Program says on its website.
New bird show at zoo:High-flying escape artist macaws now the stars of the show at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Long-term overgrowth can help lead to severe arthritis and fractures, the program said.
The zoo had previously tried a less-invasive procedure for the trimming, but ultimately decided anesthesia was necessary to do the job right. Since anesthesia is considered higher-risk, they took special precautions. For example, a padded neck board was used to keep Jaffa's head and neck supported and elevated. His breathing was supported with a specialized ventilator to provide oxygen and lung inflation. Keepers massaged and manipulated his legs to prevent muscle cramping. A holding stall was padded with foam mats and sand to prevent injury during recovery.
“Fully anesthetizing a giraffe is a complicated and risky procedure requiring coordination between many zoo departments and benefiting from outside specialists," said Kim Wojick, the zoo's senior veterinarian. "In Jaffa’s case, his immense size and chronic foot condition made the procedure even more challenging."
Amy Roberts, director of animal programs, said, "The extensive planning and assistance from a team of over 45 people will allow Jaffa to live his best life with us for the rest of his years."
Jaffa is recovering. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/anesthesia-45-people-and-2-hours-needed-to-trim-giraffe-hooves-roger-williams-park-zoo/70337627007/ | 2023-06-21T11:49:00 | 0 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/anesthesia-45-people-and-2-hours-needed-to-trim-giraffe-hooves-roger-williams-park-zoo/70337627007/ |
Plan to limit free parking near Narragansett Town Beach moves forward – how it will work
Despite some objections from residents, Narragansett is moving forward with plans to limit free parking near Town Beach.
The Town Council voted 3-1 on Monday to approve the second reading of an ordinance that would mark the end of unlimited free parking along the seawall at Ocean Road, and on eight other streets near the beach.
Under the new rules, parking for more than three hours at a time will be prohibited during the summer months.
People spending the day at the beach would either have to spend $10 or $15 for a spot in one of the official town-owned parking lots, or find parking much farther away. (Narragansett already charges $12 to walk onto the beach, independent of any parking fees.)
"It’s making Narragansett look really bad, and I hate it," said Matthew Iannucci, a resident of Caswell Street, which would be subject to the new restrictions. He pointed out that his relatives would no longer be able to park in front of his house and walk down to the beach.
"There’s never anyone parked on my street," Iannucci said. "The only time anyone parks on my street is during the [Fourth of July] fireworks, and that’s for an hour a year."
Why some residents oppose parking limits
Gina Raheb, who described herself as a local business owner, said that the time limits would discourage people from staying to shop and eat after spending time at the beach.
"If I have three hours, I’m going to be extremely stressed," she said.
The ordinance states that, in addition to the three-hour limit, a "resident permit allowance" would be in place on Congdon, Caswell, Rodman, Robinson, and Rockland Streets, and Rose Court. At Monday's meeting, several people who live on those streets testified that they do not have problems with parking and think that restrictions are unnecessary.
Carolyn Petrocelli of Rockland Street said that the process felt rushed, and that she had many questions about how the new rules would work.
"Who’s going to monitor this?" she said. "I hope it’s not the residents, because I’m not interested in being the police. How do you plan to manage the resident-slash-three-hour-parking in the same spot? Will it depend on who gets there first?"
David Avedisian of Woodward Avenue said that if the town is going to establish resident-only parking in certain areas, it should be open to anyone who lives in Narragansett, not just people who live on those streets.
"What are we trying to do here?" he asked.
Campers at the Conjuring House?Here's why that idea has neighbors spooked
Unclear when new parking limits will go into effect
The council approved a first reading of the ordinance earlier this month. At Monday's meeting, councilwoman Deborah Kopech asked to "have a little discussion" before voting for a second time. Council President Ewa Dzwierzynski said that wasn't possible.
"It’s a second reading," she said. "All second readings do not have discussion. It just goes through."
Dzwierzynski added that she was aware of residents' concerns and that "obviously, there’s a lot of variables to be worked out."
She said that the town manager would figure out how to implement the new rules and come back to the council if there are issues that need to be addressed.
Kopech, who supported the ordinance on a first reading, said that she had concerns after looking more closely.
"There are some pretty big holes in here that we should probably make sure that we fix," she said on Monday, before casting the sole vote against it.
Councilwoman Susan Cicilline-Buonanno abstained from voting. | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/narragansett-town-council-oks-second-read-of-ordinance-that-limits-parking-near-town-beach/70337901007/ | 2023-06-21T11:49:06 | 1 | https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/narragansett-town-council-oks-second-read-of-ordinance-that-limits-parking-near-town-beach/70337901007/ |
Bartow Police seeks reaccreditation amid department review
In the midst of Bartow Police Department's push for accreditation renewal, the agency is being reviewed by an outside consultant following complaints from within the department.
In the midst of Bartow Police Department's push for accreditation renewal, the agency is being reviewed by an outside consultant following complaints from within the department.
City Manager Mike Herr sent a letter to Police Chief Bryan Dorman and other city administrators saying he had received enough feedback from department personnel to justify a “climate review” of the police department.
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“Just months into my role as City Manager, I became aware that some members of our police department had concerns regarding department operations,” Herr wrote. “Because your input is important to me, over the last few weeks I met with many of you to seek insight into these concerns and possible issues. I concluded that an organizational climate review is necessary to assess, identify and prioritize any immediate challenges and needs that currently exist within the police department.”
The letter obtained by The Ledger was dated June 8 and was also sent to Mayor Leo E. Longworth, city commissioners, assistant city manager David W. Wright and human resources director Deanna S. Gibson, as well as Bartow’s sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.
The consultant named in the letter is Dr. Jim Sewell who will review the department’s operations and provide recommendations on both immediate and long-term strategies to address the challenges the department is facing.
A message left with the police chief’s office was answered by Lyn Bryan, the department’s public information officer. Bryan deferred further comment on the department “concerns” and “challenges” to the city manager’s office.
“We don’t know what they are,” Bryan said. “That’s why they are questioning different people at different times.”
In the letter, it outlines two phases of the consultants’ scope of work, including a fact gathering phase and then a strategy to address findings, which are due by Aug. 4.
At Herr’s office on Friday, he said, that in his visits in mid-May with groups of sworn and non-sworn personnel within the police department, he heard concerns about leadership and specifically received feedback about Dorman.
Restaurant inspections:13 Polk restaurants log perfect inspections. 19 are warned, only 2 for insect activity
“They voiced some concerns about the leadership at the department and expressing their views about Chief Dorman, expressing some things that are positive and some things that should be addressed,” Herr said. “Overall, I think we have a well-trained police force.”
Herr also said Dorman – the current president of the Polk County Police Chief’s Association – is an excellent leader in the area of community policing. As an example, he gave Dorman’s recent presentation to the Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency board about adding a community police officer for the CRA district, which the board has agreed to fund.
But there were some members of the police department who wanted to see more tools and efforts put toward enforcement, Herr said. He would not elaborate further about what triggered the review citing employee privacy concerns.
According to Herr’s letter, Sewell has a combined 32 years of experience in leadership roles in law enforcement and as a consultant. The consultant and his colleagues were to start their work on-site starting June 13.
“Through a series of small-group meetings and interviews, every member of the police department will have an opportunity to provide feedback on what the department is doing well and what challenges the department is currently facing,” Herr wrote.
Meanwhile, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation is expected to visit the police department to examine its policies and procedures, management, operations and support services as part of a periodic re-certification of the agency, a press release said.
The police department is already accredited but must be recertified periodically. The CFA will start its examination of the police department’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.
As part of the assessment, department members and the public can provide comments to the assessment team. Written comments can be sent to: CFA, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302 or emailed to flaccreditation@fdle.state.fl.us. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/bartow-police-seeks-reaccreditation-amid-department-review/70315016007/ | 2023-06-21T11:51:38 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/bartow-police-seeks-reaccreditation-amid-department-review/70315016007/ |
Polk Tax Collector warns about home-improvement loans attached to property tax bills
Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder is urging homeowners to proceed with caution when approached with offers to pay for energy-efficient and storm-hardening features on their property tax bills.
Property Assessed Clean Energy, or PACE, offers a loan program to property owners for home and commercial improvements dealing with energy conservation and efficiency on items such as solar panels, roof improvements and storm shutter installation. Homeowners are told that they don’t have to worry about making regular loan payments for the improvements, as the costs will instead be added to their tax bills.
This financing option is gaining a reputation in neighboring Florida counties for saddling property owners with debt they cannot afford, while using the power of government to collect the debt, Tedder said. If the debt is not paid, the owner will lose the property.
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“I want to warn people of the financial risk of this type of loan, when such large payments come due at the same time as their tax bills,” Tedder said in a news release. “I hate telling people there is nothing that can be done to save their property from being sold for unpaid taxes, especially when I feel most property owners are being hoodwinked into these types of loans.”
The Polk County Commission on June 6 passed a resolution in support of the Tax Collector’s stance that PACE loans should not exist in unincorporated Polk County.
“Don’t be fooled,” Tedder said. “If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. If you are approached by a loaning institution or contractor saying your property improvements will be paid for on the tax bill, be careful. Be very careful.” | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/polk-tax-collector-beware-of-offer-warns-about-home-improvement-loans-attached-to-property-tax-bills/70339397007/ | 2023-06-21T11:51:44 | 1 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/polk-tax-collector-beware-of-offer-warns-about-home-improvement-loans-attached-to-property-tax-bills/70339397007/ |
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A 24-year-old was rushed to the hospital after they were ejected from the SUV they were driving after it crashed on U.S. 19, Clearwater police said.
The crash happened just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday in the northbound lanes of U.S. 19 at Sunset Point Road. The driver of a 2016 Honda Pilot crashed into the divider, causing the SUV to burst into flames.
Authorities said the driver was ejected and then rushed to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with possible life-threatening injuries. Police said alcohol "appears to be a factor" in the crash.
The northbound lanes of U.S. 19 were shut down for about three hours as crews worked the scene; it has since reopened. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/clearwater-us19-sunset-point-road-fiery-crash/67-afe9fd7c-42b9-4fa9-a880-04960e69936a | 2023-06-21T11:52:04 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/clearwater-us19-sunset-point-road-fiery-crash/67-afe9fd7c-42b9-4fa9-a880-04960e69936a |
SAN ANTONIO — Police responded to a shooting late Tuesday night that happened after an uncle and his nephew got into an argument on the south side.
The incident happened in the 100 block of Lee Street, near the intersection with Pleasanton Road, around 9:34 p.m.
Police say a 19-year-old and a 49-year-old began arguing and the nephew shot the uncle in the leg and ran away.
Officers found him in a lot next door hiding in tall grass, police said.
The uncle is expected to recover. There is no word on whether the nephew was arrested and facing charges.
This shooting is still under investigation.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/argument-between-uncle-and-nephew-leads-to-shooting-san-antonio-texas/273-94a113eb-b3b6-4e59-933b-a067b46b57aa | 2023-06-21T11:52:08 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/argument-between-uncle-and-nephew-leads-to-shooting-san-antonio-texas/273-94a113eb-b3b6-4e59-933b-a067b46b57aa |
SAN ANTONIO — A man standing outside a home on the south side of San Antonio was shot when someone in a car opened fire.
Police say the man was standing in a friend's driveway in the 1000 block of Flanders at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night when a grey car went by, and someone started shooting.
One bullet hit the victim in the head, and he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
It is unclear if the victim was the intended target. Police believe the gunman used a rifle to shoot the victim, who is around 19 or 20 years old.
The shooting is still under investigation and no arrests have yet been made.
Learn more about KENS 5:
Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-standing-outside-home-shot-south-side-san-antonio-texas/273-805b84bd-1165-405e-821e-936bf4a36b34 | 2023-06-21T11:52:11 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/man-standing-outside-home-shot-south-side-san-antonio-texas/273-805b84bd-1165-405e-821e-936bf4a36b34 |
A Lincoln pair are facing felony charges for the alleged sexual abuse of three young girls.
At their first appearances on the charges Tuesday, Maurice Thomas, 43, and Sahara Williams, 19, were ordered held in jail without bond.
Both are charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault of a child and third-degree sexual assault of a child. Thomas faces an additional charge of first-degree sex assault of a child.
If convicted, the first-degree sex assault charges carry a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison on each and up to life. The third-degree sex assault charge could lead to another three years.
In court records, Lincoln Police Officer Kathleen Brandt said on May 30, an officer was flagged down in the street by the mother of three girls, who range in age from 8 to 10, wanting to report the abuse.
In an interview that followed at the BraveBe Child Advocacy Center, the oldest of the girls said it had started a year earlier when Thomas asked her to kiss him and threatened to shoot her if she said no.
In separate interviews, the girls alleged multiple incidents of sexual abuse at the hands of Thomas, a friend of the family, and Williams' involvement.
Police arrested Thomas and Williams on Friday.
Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Scott Copeland (Left) and Donnette Thayer (right) play Irish folk music with friends during the Hub Farmers Market at Union Plaza park on Wednesday. The markets are Wednesdays, from 5-7 p.m., through Sept. 20.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Open Harvest employees shovel gravel at the Open Harvest ground breaking in the Telegraph District, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Dynasty Volleyball players Abigail Mullen (bottom left), Reese Messer (left), Claire Cisneros (top right), and Skyler Pierce (right) share snacks and stories with one another as they rest on the catwalk overlooking the volleyball courts ahead of their next match during the Midwest PreNationals tournament on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence in Lawrence.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fisherman Salem Alsareni, catches a 24 inch carp, weighing in at six and a half pounds at Holmes Lake, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Angela Gebhardt walks next to Star City Chorus during the Star City Pride Parade Saturday at the Nebraska state Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Foster Care Closet employee Brooke Horton lifts boxes of diapers onto the bus before departing for Norfolk on Friday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor candidate Rodney Bennett answers questions from students and staff who are part of the College of Law on Thursday at the Office of the President.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Terrance McIntyre gets his hair cut by Treveon Phinney at 402 Fades Barber Shop on Thursday at Gateway Mall.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Eliana Athena Vargas Smith, 2, plays in the fountain at Union Plaza park on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 88 degrees in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Children extend their arms outward as they reach for bubbles to pop during a family fun night ice cream party on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Charles H. Gere Branch Library in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Harper Trumble (top right) dances with her cousin Keegan VanDeWater (right) while Alexis Arai y Su Grupo perform as part of the Jazz in June concert series on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln. The first performers for Jazz in June drew a sizable crowd on Tuesday. The free concert series, held each Tuesday in June, will feature two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m. Beyond the performances, the series will include education outreach coordinated by community centers and artists. A market offered food and drinks to hungry patrons. And a bike Valet will provided free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until the end of the performance in the market.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Rev. T. Michael Williams signs the petition to repeal LB753 during Support our Schools Nebraska petition drive kickoff at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Mia Masch, 5, has her hair adjusted by her father Ian while his pet parrot Mango rests atop his shoulder during an animal blessing ceremony at First-Plymouth Church.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shriner clowns cover their hearts for the invocation before the Nebraska Shrine Bowl on Saturday at Cope Stadium in Kearney.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A rainbow is seen near Ralston High School stadium during the Nebraska High School Soccer Senior Showcase on Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Grace Jacobson of Lincoln holds a rainbow umbrella over a coffin prop in front of the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nikita (black) jumps into the dog pool as Pearl chases after her at Off Leash Dog Bar on Wednesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Lincoln East’s Carter Mick (10) poses for portrait , Monday, May 29, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Rebecca Rager greets her grandfather Alfred Zieg (from left) during a celebration before his birthday on Wednesday, in the Gramercy dining room on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at The Residence at Gramercy in Lincoln. 'It has been a life for sure," Alfred Zieg said during the celebration. "And on Wednesday I get to start all over again, right?"
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Muggs, a 6 year-old chocolate lab fetches his toy from the water following his dive on Saturday at Paws 4 Fun in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fire fighters clear out hot debris pulled off of 411 Mulder Dr home after alert two back yard fire, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
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Man, 25, found shot Wednesday in Southfield hotel parking lot
A Detroit man is in critical condition after he was found shot Wednesday in a Southfield hotel parking lot, officials said.
Police were called at about 2:20 a.m. to the parking lot of the Radisson Hotel on Telegraph Road near the Lodge Freeway for a report of a shooting.
They arrived and found a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound, according to authorities. Officers began life-saving measures until medics could take the man to a hospital, they said.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said police arrested a suspect, a 32-year-old Oak Park man, after an investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting should call Southfield police at (248) 796-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) SPEAK-UP.
cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/21/man-25-found-shot-wednesday-in-southfield-hotel-parking-lot/70341231007/ | 2023-06-21T11:56:56 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/06/21/man-25-found-shot-wednesday-in-southfield-hotel-parking-lot/70341231007/ |
NORMAL — Heartland Community College honored seven community members with the President's Medallion award.
The seven individuals were honored because of their vital roles in serving the community, expanding the college, serving the students and paving educational pathways. The President's Medallion award represents the college's goal to enrich the community by recognizing those who share the same mission and live it through their outstanding service, philanthropy and dedication to advancing educational opportunities.
The recipients include Dr. Jerry and Carole Ringer, Dr. Larry and Marlene Dietz, John and Mary Penn, and Robert "Bob" Brucker. They were honored at the Elevate Heartland 2023 event that was held on Friday, June 16.
The Ringers have built and supported various charities, nonprofits and important causes in the Bloomington-Normal area. Carole has worked with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the BroMenn Foundation for the Mennonite College of Nursing. She was also the first executive director for the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.
Jerry has been involved with over 15 nonprofit boards, including the HCC Foundation. His contributions to the HCC Foundation's scholarship program also helps award over $600,000 annually to local students.
Marlene Dietz is heavily involved with the Miller Park Zoo, the Baby Fold, and the Boys and Girls Club, where she has helped lead and pave the way for several local children on their academic journeys. Larry Dietz made significant efforts at Illinois State University throughout his presidency to improve student affairs, student success both inside and outside of the classroom. He also made it easier for Heartland students to transfer to ISU.
Mary and John Penn have been involved in the community for almost five decades. They have chaired the Children's Christmas Party for unemployed families, volunteered for the Illinois Special Olympics, participated in local Promise Councils, to help provide resources and support for grade school children.
Brucker, who is originally from Cropsey, taught at Washington High School. He served in the Army before joining State Farm where he worked in the accounting department until he retired in 2016. He then enrolled as a credit student at HCC.
He also has deep roots in agriculture as his family's involvement dates back to their settlement on the homestead in 1866.
The inaugural recipients of the HCC President's Medallion Award were first honored in June of 2021. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-academic-successes/article_81a220ac-0f83-11ee-82b4-03c0c2bbe629.html | 2023-06-21T11:57:42 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/a-look-at-the-latest-central-illinois-academic-successes/article_81a220ac-0f83-11ee-82b4-03c0c2bbe629.html |
How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region.
100 years ago
June 21, 1923: Thirsty throats of the last few days caused a heavy drain on the city water supply. The output at the two plants reached 4 million gallons yesterday. The supply is far from exhausted, according to Chester C. Williams, superintendent of water and light. The total possible output, he said, is 10 million gallons a day.
75 years ago
June 21, 1948: Warmer weather blessed the second and final night session of the sixth annual benefit horse show at Farm Bureau field on Sunday night and many horse lovers turned up long before opening time at 7:30 p.m. At least 2,000 saw the Sunday night show.
50 years ago
June 21, 1973: The Board of Regents appointed Dr. Gene Budig interim president of Illinois State University to replace Dr. David K. Berlo, who resigned May 30. Budig, now vice president and dean of ISU, takes the helm of the university on July 1.
25 years ago
June 21, 1998: Held every Father's Day, Pontiac's Hang Loose Weekend is a chance to celebrate the long-past era of poodle skirts, drive-ins and tail fins. This weekend, the Courthouse Square was packed with activities, including three-on-three basketball tournament, craft vendors and face painting. Additionally, Humiston-Riverside Park was the site of more than 140 classic autos as part of the Rustic Auto Club's annual show.
101 years ago: See vintage Pantagraph ads from 1922
Gerthart's
Union Gas and Electric Co.
Hoover
Dr. J.A. Moore Dentists
Moberly & Klenner
W.P. Garretson
W.H. Roland
Pease's Candy
Thor 32 Electric Washing Machine
The Kaiser's Story of the War
Ike Livingston & Sons
Gossard Corsets
Cat'n Fiddle
'Stolen Moments'
Case Model X
The Johnson Transfer & Fuel Co.
The Pantagraph want ads
Franklin Motor Car Co.
'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court'
Calumet Baking Powder
Mayer Livingston & Co. Newsmarket
'The Emperor Jones'
'California Fig Syrup'
Compiled by Pantagraph staff | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-illinois-state-interim-leader-named/article_aa7701e2-0cd5-11ee-bf87-273d49eb9cdf.html | 2023-06-21T11:57:48 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/history/50-years-ago-illinois-state-interim-leader-named/article_aa7701e2-0cd5-11ee-bf87-273d49eb9cdf.html |
Many will stay dry, but just enough clouds and rain around today to keep temps a little lower than yesterday. The chance for showers and storms is expected to increase for Thursday. Find out when and where rain is most likely in our latest forecast video.
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Don't have an account? Sign Up Today | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-illinois-bloomington-decatur-mattoon/article_7d38391f-5670-5840-a2d7-cc7b267e2b78.html | 2023-06-21T11:57:54 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/weather/weather-forecast-illinois-bloomington-decatur-mattoon/article_7d38391f-5670-5840-a2d7-cc7b267e2b78.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair concert schedule is continuing to take shape.
On Wednesday, the fair announced the third wave of performers for the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage:
- Friday, July 28: Clint Black
- Saturday, July 29: Samantha Fish ft. Jesse Dayton
- Sunday, July 30 (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.): "Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure"
- Sunday, July 30 (7:30 p.m.): Home Free
- Wednesday, Aug. 2: Keith Sweat
- Thursday, Aug. 3: Retro Rewind 90s Night featuring DJ Kurt Streblow
- Friday, Aug. 4: STYX
- Saturday, Aug. 5: Quiet Riot
- Sunday, Aug. 6: TobyMac
- Wednesday, Aug. 9: Three Dog Night
- Friday, Aug. 11: Gin Blossoms
- Saturday, Aug. 12: THE TAYLOR PARTY: TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT
- Sunday, Aug. 13: Skillet
- Wednesday, Aug. 16: Happy Together Tour 2023 featuring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, The Classics IV and The Cowsills
- Thursday, Aug. 17: Latino Fest en la Feria del Estado de Indiana presented by Radio Latino 107.1FM con Noel Torres
- Friday, Aug. 18: Buddy Guy: Damn Right Farewell
- Saturday, Aug. 19: Breland
- Sunday, Aug. 20: Gospel Music Festival featuring CeCe Winans, presented by WTLC AM & FM
2023 Indiana State Fair performers
The acts join a list of several others already scheduled for performances at the Hoosier Lottery free stage, including county music singer Clint Black, "Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pigs' Adventure," R&B singer Keith Sweat, rock band Styx and contemporary Christian music singer TobyMac.
Admission to all shows on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid admission to the Indiana State Fair, and seating is first-come, first-served. All shows start at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
The Indiana State Fair opens on Friday, July 28 and runs 18 days, closing on Aug. 20. The fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-state-fair-hoosier-lottery-free-stage-2023-samantha-fish-quiet-riot-skillet-latino-fest-breland/531-e8f4ae25-8fe5-4c8c-ad4b-71d5a488928a | 2023-06-21T12:02:09 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana-state-fair-hoosier-lottery-free-stage-2023-samantha-fish-quiet-riot-skillet-latino-fest-breland/531-e8f4ae25-8fe5-4c8c-ad4b-71d5a488928a |
WATERLOO — A Waterloo man has been arrested for allegedly shooting at a car in November.
No injuries were reported in the shooting and no victims came forward, according to court records.
On Tuesday, police arrested Jonathan Fully, 20, for misdemeanor reckless use of a firearm.
Neighbors called authorities after hearing five to seven gunshots in the 1100 block of West Sixth Street around 9 p.m. on Nov. 27. Officers found spent shell casings on the street and sidewalk.
The matter went unsolved until April 20, when police found a loaded 9 mm Taurus G3 pistol and marijuana during a traffic stop in the area of Kimball Avenue and Ivanhoe Road.
Ballistics tests linked the gun to the November shooting, and a search of Fully’s phone turned up photos of him with the weapon around the time of the shooting, according to court records
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Police records show Fully suffered a gunshot wound about a year ago. He was taken to MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center on April 16, 2022, with a bullet wound to this inner thigh, according to court records.
He told police he was shot in the area of Clay Street Park, but officers didn’t find any evidence of a shooting there. Police did find blood at a friend’s home on Franklin Street in Cedar Falls, according to court records.
Then in May 2022, sheriff’s deputies found a loaded 9 mm Mossberg handgun in a vehicle where he was a passenger during a traffic stop in rural Waterloo. He was charged with interference for not cooperating with deputies during the stop. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-november-gunfire/article_2b2cdc7c-0fa5-11ee-be9f-47fd7b494fc3.html | 2023-06-21T12:03:07 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-november-gunfire/article_2b2cdc7c-0fa5-11ee-be9f-47fd7b494fc3.html |
WAVERLY — Two new elementary schools set to be completed this year now have names after a recent Board of Education meeting.
North Ridge and Prairie West were chosen as the new names at June 5 meeting after a vote by Waverly-Shell Rock Community Schools' elementary staff. The winning names received 49% of the votes from staff, receiving 40 out of 82 total responses.
Other name options included Cedar Ridge and Prairie West, receiving 22% of votes, and Birchwood and Willow, with 18% of votes.
According to Superintendent Ed Klamfoth, the names were sourced from a variety of areas in the community.
"It all began with the School Improvement Advisory Committee. They took the approach of soliciting community input," Klamfoth said.
The committee provided a link to a survey where community members could submit their suggestions for names. After receiving hundreds of replies, the advising committee identified common themes and narrowed down the choices before getting input from a group of elementary students. The staff vote was the final part of the process, which was approved by the board to officially decide the names.
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Construction of the schools began in May 2022. The goal is for North Ridge Elementary, located at 2513 Horton Road, to open in August for the start of the school year.
Prairie Ridge, at 2915 Fifth Ave. N.W., is forecast to be completed in December. Students will not move into the building until the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
The two new elementary schools are part of a larger project to address growing numbers of students and district buildings operating over capacity.
Following the opening of the new schools, West Cedar, Margaretta Carey, and Southeast elementaries will be closed. Renovations are set to begin at Shell Rock Elementary after students move into the new schools. In addition, air conditioning will be added to the high school.
Klamfoth said that it has not been decided what will be done with the old school buildings once closed.
The board also approved plans to sell $20.2 million in revenue bonds to continue funding the project.
The bonds will be sold through JPMorgan Chase, the deal closing on June 29. The bonds will be repaid with statewide 1% sales tax over a period of 17 years. The interest rate is set at 4%, adding $7.95 million in interest and raising the total amount to be repaid to $28.15 million.
It is the second set of bonds approved for the project. The first was a $31 million general obligation bond issue approved in June 2022, also sold through JPMorgan Chase. In addition, the project has used funds from the district's sales tax balance.
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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/wavery-shell-rock-new-elementary-schools-named/article_d9b68996-06f4-11ee-a11c-2f6cc99cf375.html | 2023-06-21T12:03:10 | 1 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/wavery-shell-rock-new-elementary-schools-named/article_d9b68996-06f4-11ee-a11c-2f6cc99cf375.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Sedgwick County will host a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Weekend.
The training will be held from June 30 through July 2. It is a 20-hour Federal Emergency Management Agency program held on a Friday evening, all-day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. The class is limited to 25 participants.
Those who attend all the training will receive a certificate of completion which may be recognized nationally in other communities. It also allows access to future volunteer opportunities.
For more information on how to sign up and to see the class schedule, click here. By registering, it is assumed you will attend each part of the class.
All are welcome to sign-up. However, Maize addresses and surrounding Wichita areas will be given priority. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/how-to-become-cert-certified-in-sedgwick-county/ | 2023-06-21T12:05:15 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/how-to-become-cert-certified-in-sedgwick-county/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Towne West Square still has a delinquent energy bill after multiple attempts by Evergy to receive a payment.
Some of the store owners are still holding out hope that the bill will be taken care of. They say they have not heard from Kohen Retail Investment Group, the mall’s owners, and that the local management has been left in the dark.
Some businesses say that Towne West supports small businesses that rely on shoppers to keep operating. Many are now looking for ways to continue operating if the power is turned off.
“I will keep my doors open. I have to make sales. I’m sure the mall doors will be open. My cameras may not be working, but we also have a battery backup to my cameras, my security cameras,” said Ken Smith, owner of Steve’s Jams and Jellies.
Smith says he has a plan to relocate perishable goods if necessary. But the owner of Doughmaha, an ice cream vendor in Towne West, says they do not have the resources to move their product on short notice.
“I don’t know what to do, where I’m going to go, or how I’m going to take care of my family. It’s scary. Even if the stuff gets a little thawed or not refrigerated, it’s done. We’ll lose everything. Like literally like every dime we have is in this business,” explained Doughmaha owner Bill Petrihos.
Petrihos currently has an extensive amount of ice cream stored in the mall for the upcoming slot racing event scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. While he faces the potential for all of his products to expire, The Strip at 316 says they are concerned their grand opening race event will not have electricity.
“We’re in contact with some of our guys locally that have generators to see if they would be available to use,” said The Strip at 316 co-owner DeAndre King.
He says the race is expecting over 50 people, traveling from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and other parts of Kansas. It has taken the owners two years to gain support from surrounding areas, and they say they do not want to jeopardize their newfound relationships with them.
The Strip at 316 slot racing (Courtesy: DeAndre King)
“If we don’t have this race, this business goes away. And not just this business goes away, but the hobby in Wichita goes away,” said King.
King says he reached out to Evergy on Tuesday, asking for an extension of electric services through the weekend. The store hopes the energy company will empathize with small business owners who need to keep their doors open. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/towne-west-store-owners-look-for-ways-to-operate-if-power-is-shut-off/ | 2023-06-21T12:05:21 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/towne-west-store-owners-look-for-ways-to-operate-if-power-is-shut-off/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The clock is ticking on the car show tradition known as Automobilia.
“Wichita downtown has been designed for live work and play,” said Joshua Blick with Automobilia. “We want to keep Automobilia. This is a tradition for the city of Wichita for 28 years.”
City staff recently rejected the Automobila permit to close parts of Douglas Avenue in and around the Washington Street area. The event is supposed to happen on July 8.
“No one in Old Town doesn’t want Automobilia. I mean, it’s a fun event. We all enjoy it,” said Debra Frasier, President of the Old Town Association board. “It has nothing to do with Automobilia, it has to do with closing the major thoroughfares and access to some of the small businesses, some of the brick and mortars.”
Some on the Wichita City Council say there is still time to cut a deal. If no deal is made, the City Council could still take up the car show topic before the event on July 8.
“You know I’m optimistic that it is going to happen. The logistics of getting it to the Council is going to be a little bit challenging,” said City Council member Jeff Blubaugh. “Because we don’t have a council meeting between now and then, with next week is a workshop and the following week is July 4th. Hopefully, there is some way to get it on the consent agenda.”
Blubaugh says he will meet with Blick, City Manager Robert Layton and some City staff on Wednesday afternoon to talk compromise.
“I’ve been working with them a few weeks. I thought that we had everything agreed upon,” said Blubaugh. “So I was pretty surprised when staff recommended the rejection of this. Automobilia is a big draw for Wichita. Brings in a lot of people.”
Frasier with the Old Town Association board says one issue is the closing of Washington as early as 7 a.m. Blick said on Tuesday the car show people are willing to keep access open off Washington until one or later in the afternoon so people can access the farmers market just off Washington.
One other member agrees there is still time to compromise for the event that brings thousands downtown each year.
“Part of this is about changing those boundaries or having it on Sunday,” said City Council member Brandon Johnson. “If either of those things happen, I think we could see Automobilia this year. But if they don’t, then we may not see it.”
Meanwhile, Blick says he continues to work to better the event and keep business owners happy. He says some business owners love the event because of the extra foot traffic. He also says they have hired private security and fire officials to keep the event safe.
“I’m optimistic, yes, we are going to have the car show on the 8th,” said Blick. “We will continue to work with city officials and city staff.” | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/will-automobilia-car-show-happen-on-july-8-downtown/ | 2023-06-21T12:05:27 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/will-automobilia-car-show-happen-on-july-8-downtown/ |
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